Democrat Wins Maine State House Special Election

Scott Harriman defeats Republican Janet Beaudoin in Lewiston-based race

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Democrat Scott Harriman, a Lewiston city councilor, has won a special election for Maine's 94th state House district, defeating Republican Janet Beaudoin, a Lewiston School Committee member. The seat was previously held by a Democrat who left to serve as the state Senate President's chief of staff.

Why it matters

The special election victory gives Democrats a 75-72 edge in the Maine state House, though several independent and unenrolled members often side with the party, offering Democrats an added cushion. The race attracted attention from prominent national and local figures on both sides.

The details

Harriman, a Lewiston city councilor, won the special election for the Lewiston-based state House seat against Beaudoin, a Lewiston School Committee member. The seat was vacated by former state Rep. Kristen Cloutier (D), who left to serve as Maine Senate President Mattie Daughtry's (D) chief of staff.

  • The special election was held on Tuesday, February 25, 2026.

The players

Scott Harriman

A Lewiston city councilor who won the special election for Maine's 94th state House district.

Janet Beaudoin

A Lewiston School Committee member who ran against Harriman in the special election.

Kristen Cloutier

The former state representative for Maine's 94th district who left to serve as Maine Senate President Mattie Daughtry's chief of staff.

Mattie Daughtry

The Maine Senate President.

Ken Martin

The Democratic National Committee (DNC) chair who campaigned for Harriman.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We must continue to fight for Democratic values and representation at all levels of government.”

— Ken Martin, Democratic National Committee (DNC) Chair

What’s next

The Maine state House will now have a 75-72 Democratic majority, though several independent and unenrolled members often side with the party.

The takeaway

This special election victory in a Lewiston-based district demonstrates the continued strength of the Democratic Party in Maine, even as Republicans make gains in other parts of the state.