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Lewiston Today
By the People, for the People
Special House Election in Lewiston Draws National Attention
The fight for the House District 94 seat could impact Democrats' control of the Maine House.
Published on Feb. 24, 2026
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A special election next week to fill a single seat in the Maine Legislature is drawing extra attention from the state's political leaders because the outcome could affect Democrats' control of the Maine House. The fight for the House District 94 seat in Lewiston is also seen as a preview of this fall's larger battle between the parties for state houses in Maine and across the country.
Why it matters
Democrats currently hold just a two-seat advantage over Republicans in the 151-member Maine House, and the outcome of this special election could shift that balance of power. Control of the Maine House has come down to just a few dozen votes in recent close elections, making this race an important one for both parties.
The details
The District 94 special election is between Democratic candidate Scott Harriman and Republican Janet Beaudoin. Harriman is currently serving his third term on the Lewiston City Council and the Lewiston School Committee, while Beaudoin has served on the Lewiston School Committee since 2021 and ran against the previous Democratic incumbent in 2022. The race is seen as a preview of the issues voters will hear about in the larger battle for state houses across the country in the upcoming fall elections.
- The special election will take place next week.
- The seat became vacant when Democratic Rep. Kristen Cloutier stepped down in October 2025 to join the staff of Senate President Mattie Daughtry.
The players
Scott Harriman
The Democratic candidate in the House District 94 special election, currently serving his third term on the Lewiston City Council and the Lewiston School Committee.
Janet Beaudoin
The Republican candidate in the House District 94 special election, has served on the Lewiston School Committee since 2021 and ran against the previous Democratic incumbent in 2022.
Ken Martin
The chairman of the Democratic National Committee, who visited Maine to support Democratic candidate Scott Harriman.
Susan Collins
The U.S. Senator from Maine who has endorsed the Republican candidate, Janet Beaudoin.
Paul LePage
The former Governor of Maine who has helped stump for the Republican candidate, Janet Beaudoin.
What they’re saying
“We must go and turn out the vote. That's why I am here today.”
— Ken Martin, Chairman of the Democratic National Committee (DNC staffer video)
“If I were to win this seat on Tuesday, it gives the Republicans a good hand up so that's a big piece of the focus on the race.”
— Janet Beaudoin, Republican Candidate (Bangor Daily News)
What’s next
The special election for House District 94 in Lewiston will take place next Tuesday, February 25, 2026.
The takeaway
This special election in Lewiston is being closely watched as a potential bellwether for the larger battle between Democrats and Republicans for control of state legislatures across the country in the upcoming fall elections.
