Newly reelected Maine State Representative Ryan Fecteau of Biddeford has once again been elected Speaker of the House. Fecteau previously served as state rep. from 2014 to 2022, becoming the first openly gay person elected as Speaker in 2020. He served as Speaker until reaching his term limit in 2022; on Nov. 5, 2024, Maine voters reelected him state rep.
Posted Fecteau on Facebook as Maine’s 132nd Legislature officially opened last week: “I am honored beyond words to be elected Speaker of the House. I have a lot of feels this time around. First, because I got to share this day with the people I love, including [his husband] Dylan who has been in my corner through this crazy journey. Secondly, because I have this growing realization of just how much this work means to me. It’s a joy to be part of it.”
Reports Bangor Daily News:
House members considered several candidates Wednesday who had shared earlier this year their plans to seek the top role in the lower chamber, including Fecteau; Assistant House Majority Leader Kristen Cloutier of Lewiston; Rep. Jim Dill of Old Town; and Rep. Ed Crockett of Portland. Rep. Amy Roeder, D-Bangor, was also initially among the contenders but withdrew her name before Wednesday.
Fecteau will succeed House Speaker Rachel Talbot Ross, D-Portland, who was termed out and won last week’s election for an open Maine Senate seat. The caucus also selected Rep. Matt Moonen, D-Portland, to succeed House Majority Leader Mo Terry, D-Gorham, as the chamber’s no. 2, while Rep. Lori Gramlich, D-Old Orchard Beach, will take Cloutier’s role.
Fecteau said after last week’s election saw Republicans win back the White House and Congress, it is “our responsibility, here in Maine, to safeguard fundamental rights, protect vulnerable rights and be a lighthouse of hope.”
Read the complete Bangor Daily News story here.
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