Former Maine State Senator Justin Chenette has become the first Millennial and only openly LGBTQ+ individual elected to serve on the York County Commission, at age 31.
Chenette is no stranger to making history. Just before his 17th birthday, Governor Baldacci appointed him to serve on the Maine State Board of Education as the first student board member.
At 21, Justin became the youngest openly gay lawmaker in the entire country and the youngest legislator in Maine. He was sworn into office just a week before graduating from college.
Chenette went on to become the youngest state senator at age 25 and the only LGBTQ senator at the time. In total, he has served 8 years in the legislature with 2 terms each in the Senate and House of Representatives.
“Representation matters. It is important that we elect leaders that reflect the diversity and values of our community,” says Chenette. “Throughout my life in public service, I have been transparent about my personal life and my marriage to my husband as a way of illustrating to youth that they are seen and valued. That they have someone they can point to living authentically in their truth, being with who they love, doing what they love. While I didn’t run to make history, it will undoubtedly help yield to better policy outcomes and engagement for everyone.”
Chenette won his June Primary with 83% of the vote and was unopposed in the General Election. He was endorsed by the LGBTQ Victory Fund.
“Justin will bring a unique and important perspective to the county commission and ensure all residents are considered when policy decisions are made,” said Mayor Annise Parker, President & CEO of LGBTQ Victory Fund, in a release during their endorsement announcement.
Chenette will be sworn into office in January.
—from a press release from the Chenette campaign office
Not a subscriber? Sign up today for a free subscription to Boston Spirit magazine, New England’s premier LGBT magazine. We will send you a copy of Boston Spirit 6 times per year and we never sell/rent our subscriber information. Click HERE to sign up!
