AUGUSTA – On Wednesday, a joint session of the 130th Maine Legislature voted to elect the following individuals to serve in constitutional offices for the political years 2021 and 2022 and statutory office for the political years 2021 through 2024:

• Hon. Shenna Bellows, Secretary of State
• Hon. Matthew Dunlap, State Auditor
• Hon. Henry Beck, State Treasurer, first elected to the office in 2018
• Hon. Aaron Frey, Attorney General, first elected to the office in 2018. 

Senate President Troy Jackson, D-Allagash, Senate Majority Leader Nate Libby, D-Lewiston, and Assistant Senate Majority Leader Eloise Vitelli, D-Arrowsic, released the following statements congratulating the constitutional officers on their election.

Pres. Jackson:

“All four of these individuals — Hon. Shenna Bellows, Hon. Matt Dunlap, Hon. Henry Beck and Hon. Aaron Frey — are Mainers with extraordinary character and an unwavering commitment to the people and the future of this state. I have no doubt they will continue to serve the state with integrity in these roles over the next two years.

“I would like to especially congratulate Shenna for being elected as the first woman in the history of this state to serve as Secretary of State. She has earned the respect of people all across the state for her efforts to protect the rights of Maine voters and will be sorely missed in the Maine Senate.

“Henry and Aaron have shown up time and time again for Maine people over the past two years; they’ve earned their reelection to these roles. Matt’s impressive management of Secretary of State’s Office over the past seven years — one of the most prominent offices in state government — shows he has what it takes to keep government running efficiently and effectively. I look forward to working closely with each office over the next two years.”

Sen. Libby:

“I’m thrilled for the people of Maine that they’ll have such great leaders serving as constitutional and statutory officers over the next two years. It has been a pleasure to work with them throughout my tenure in the State Legislature, and I know they’re committed to upholding the best interests of the state in every decision they make and action they take.”

Sen. Vitelli:

“Congratulations to the constitutional officers and statutory officer on their election to serve in these vital roles for the next two years. I have confidence that they will approach their work with the professionalism and due diligence it takes to protect our elections, uphold the law and the rights of Maine people, and monitor the state’s finances.

“I would note that this election is bittersweet because it means that the Hon. Shenna Bellows will be leaving our caucus to serve in this new capacity. However, I’m thrilled that she will be making history and serving as Maine’s first female Secretary of State. Between her background at the Maine ACLU and her track record in the Maine Legislature, Shenna is well-suited to lead the Secretary of State’s Office and inspire women of all ages for generations to come.”

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