Maine Education Association Endorses Educator and Scientist John Henkelman for State House District 143
SANFORD, Maine — The Maine Education Association (MEA)—representing thousands of teachers, higher education faculty, education support professionals, and school staff across the state—has officially endorsed candidate John Henkelman for the Maine House of Representatives in District 143.
The endorsement highlights Henkelman’s background as an educator, analytical scientist, and community advocate, as well as his commitment to strengthening public education, expanding early childhood learning, and delivering data-driven solutions for Sanford families.
Standing Up for Students, Educators, and Working Families
As an adjunct educator at the University of New England and a former analytical development scientist in biotech, Henkelman brings a strong commitment to public education, fact-based leadership, and workforce development to the race. His legislative priorities align directly with core educational and community needs in Maine, including:
Childcare & Early Learning for all Mainers: Expanding state-level subsidies, tax credits, and provider slots to support working parents and ensure children enter school prepared to succeed.
Mental Health & Student Support: Growing Maine’s mental health workforce and expanding community-based crisis response to relieve pressure on schools and emergency services.
Supporting Educators & Public Schools: Investing in the public education workforce, ensuring fair compensation and resources, and fostering strong partnerships between schools and local communities.
"Public education is the foundation of a strong community and a thriving economy," said Henkelman. "As an educator and a scientist, I have seen firsthand how access to quality education changes lives. I am deeply honored to earn the endorsement of the Maine Education Association. In Augusta, I will work tirelessly to support our teachers and support staff, invest in early childhood education, and ensure every student in Sanford has the tools they need to succeed."
Fact-Based Leadership Powered by the Community
Henkelman’s campaign is funded entirely through the Maine Clean Election Act (MCEA) system, relying solely on $5 qualifying contributions from District 143 residents to ensure complete accountability to neighbors rather than special interest groups or PACs.
In addition to his teaching and scientific experience, Henkelman serves on the Sanford Recreation Advisory Board, contributes to the Sanford Springvale News, and is a Registered Maine Guide committed to preserving public access to Maine’s outdoors.
Contact Information:
John Henkelman for Maine House 143 Campaign
Email: John@JohnForMaine.com
Phone: (207) 608-9249
Website: www.johnformaine.com
John Henkelman Receives AFL-CIO Endorsement
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Rebecca Flood Andrews, Rebecca Flood Andrews for Maine House 141, rebecca@rebecca4maine.com, 207-719-0092
John Henkelman, John for Maine House 143, John@JohnForMaine.com, 207-608-9249
Maine AFL-CIO Endorses Slate of Candidates for Sanford and Springvale House Districts
SANFORD, ME - Candidates Rebecca Andrews (House District 141) and John Henkelman (House District 143) announced that they have received the full endorsement of the Maine AFL-CIO for their campaigns to represent the people of Sanford and Springvale in the 133rd Maine Legislature.
The Maine AFL-CIO, representing over 40,000 working Mainers across the state, grants endorsements to candidates who demonstrate a steadfast commitment to supporting working families, protecting union rights, advocating for fair wages, and addressing the rising cost of living.
With this unified slate of endorsements, working people in Sanford and Springvale have strong champions in all three local House districts.
"I am deeply honored to earn the trust and endorsement of the Maine AFL-CIO," said Rebecca Andrews, candidate for House District 141. "Working families are the backbone of our community. In Augusta, I will fight to protect workplace safety, secure fair wages, and ensure every worker in Sanford, Springvale, Shapleigh, and Newfield has the opportunity to thrive."
"The labor movement built Maine's middle class, and it is a privilege to stand with the working people of the Maine AFL-CIO," said John Henkelman, candidate for House District 143. "In the 133rd Legislature, I will work tirelessly to champion policies that put working people first, strengthen our local workforce, and keep Sanford affordable for families."
The Maine AFL-CIO endorsement process involves a comprehensive evaluation of candidate questionnaires, voting records, and interviews regarding labor, economic, and workplace policy matters. Learn more at https://maineaflcio.org/news/endorsements.
The general election will take place on Tuesday, November 3, 2026.
About the Candidates
Rebecca Andrews is running for Maine House District 141, serving parts of Sanford, Springvale, Shapleigh, and Newfield. Learn more at rebecca4maine.com
John Henkelman is running for Maine House District 143, serving South Sanford and parts of downtown. Learn more at JohnForMaine.com
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Primary Elections Are Here!
John Henkelman Qualifies for June Democratic Primary
SANFORD, ME –The time has arrived to make your voice heard. This election is a critical step for our campaign in Maine House District 143. I am running to build a future that reflects our shared values, and that work begins with your vote.
Support the Campaign:
Our momentum is growing, but we rely on the grassroots support of neighbors like you to reach every voter in South Sanford. If you have not yet done so, please consider making a contribution to our campaign. I do not use the words our and we lightly – I am running for each of you, not for my own personal gain.
As I mentioned at your door, I am financing my campaign through the Maine Clean Elections Act (MCEA) financing program where I can only accept one-time $5 donations from registered voters in our district. Once verified, your $5 is matched and turns into just over $100 to help us win in November. If you have already donated, thank you! If you have not donated yet, please consider donating today at https://maine.gov/cleanelections - every qualifying donation gets us one step closer to winning this November. Donate to Help Us Win District 143
Host a Kitchen Table Discussion!
The second-best way you can help us win District 143 is to host a house party. Knocking on doors is my primary way to get in front of neighbors, but nothing beats the endorsement of a neighbor like you.
How it works:
Reach out to set up a day and time with me (John@JohnForMaine.com).
Invite a few friends, neighbors, or family members who live in District 143.
Host the kitchen table discussion is not a big ask and is typically something as simple as coffee and a space big enough for us all to sit around and chat.
The goal is simple: have a regular conversation about what is going on in our community and how I can support you and our neighbors in Augusta. There will be no prepared speeches, just real honest conversations. Having just completed one of these kitchen table discussions I personally left energized and excited for what we can do together! Can I count on you?
Important Voting Information:
Maine now operates under a semi-closed primary system. This means you can participate in our primary if:
You are a Democrat,
You are an Unenrolled (Independent) voter - you may choose to cast a Democratic ballot without being required to officially join the party,
If you are registered in another party, no problem! November is just around the corner, and I hope I can count on your vote!
How to Vote Early:
You do not need a reason to vote early. You can cast your ballot in person at the Sanford City Hall (919 Main Street) during their regular business hours from now until Thursday, June 4, 2026. This is often the most convenient way to ensure your vote is counted before the busy Election Day on June 9.
How to Absentee Vote:
You never know what will happen on primary day. Life happens. Why risk missing out on this crucial first step toward winning District 143. Request your absentee ballot today! Once you have filled out your ballot (hopefully putting your mark next to my name!) you will have to pay for postage, or you can return it to City Hall in the big white ballot box in the City Hall parking lot(919 Main Street).
Vote on Primary Election Day:
If you are old school and like the excitement of showing up the polls, That works too! Sanford has a consolidated voting location at the Sanford High School (learn more on the here) so nothing has changed since the last election cycle. Doors are open from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM on Tuesday June 9th. Should you need a ride to the polls, let me know and I will make sure you have a ride.
While fieldwork for an environmental research traineeship will have me in the field on primary day, I am fully committed to our community and this race. As many of you know, my goal is to be transparent and available to each and every one of you. Should you have any questions feel free to call me at 207-608-9249 or send me an email at John@JohnForMaine.com.
Need a Ride?
If you need a ride for any voting option above, let me know! Either a volunteer or I can make sure we get you to the polls or city hall. It is not a bother at all. Your voice in the future of our state is important, besides it is what a neighbor does!
Not Registered? Register Today!
Registration is simple, easy, and quick. You can do so online or in-person at the City Clerk’s office in City Hall.
Thank you for your continued support and for being an active participant in our democracy.
-John Henkelman, Candidate Maine House District 143
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Protect Sanford Residents: Critical Rent Stabilization Vote Approaching City Council
Updated (01 June 2026):
Here is a link to the finial Mobile Home Park Lot Rent Stabilization Ordinance
The Sanford City Council is preparing to vote on a proposed rent stabilization ordinance that aims to protect local residents from destabilizing housing costs. To ensure the public is fully informed and engaged, I have created a centralized online resource containing all official documents currently under consideration by city leaders that can be found here: https://www.johnformaine.com/sanford-rent-stabilization.
As housing costs continue to rise across the region, this ordinance represents a critical step toward ensuring housing security for working families, seniors, and vulnerable populations within Sanford. By establishing fair and predictable limits on rent adjustments, the measure will help prevent displacement and foster long-term community stability. Like many things in Maine, action starts local and this is the first step in protecting mobile home park residents across the state. To that end I applaud the work that Sanford City Council and Manager have done on this first of it’s kind in the Pine Tree State.
Securing stable housing is a fundamental necessity for the well-being of our community. This proposed ordinance provides balanced protections that keep families in their homes and keep Sanford strong. I urge every resident to examine the documents before city council, understand the positive impact of this policy, and make their voices heard at this weeks city council meeting.
This upcoming vote provides an opportunity for Sanford residents to advocate for proactive solutions to local housing challenges. Community members are encouraged to review the materials, attend the City Council meeting, and contact their local representatives to express support for the ordinance.
For more information, to view the official city council documents, or to learn how to participate in the upcoming public meeting, please visit https://www.johnformaine.com/sanford-rent-stabilization.
John Henkelman Qualifies for June Democratic Primary Election
John Henkelman Qualifies for June Democratic Primary
Sanford Conservationist & Maine Guide Running for Sanford Legislative Seat
SANFORD, ME – John Henkelman, a Registered Maine Guide and Adjunct Professor of Environmental Science, has qualified for the June primary as a Democratic candidate for Maine House District 143.
Henkelman is running to provide a fact-based voice in Augusta. His campaign focuses on reducing the high cost of living, strengthening family health and housing, and conserving Maine’s natural resources.
“The people of Sanford deserve a representative who listens and acts,” Henkelman said. “As a Maine Guide, my priority is ensuring clients are well-cared for. I will bring that same dedication to my neighbors in the State House.”
Henkelman brings extensive scientific experience to the race. He spent over a decade as an analytical development scientist in the biotech industry ensuring drug safety. Now he is a Ph.D. student at the University of New Hampshire and an Adjunct Professor at the University of New England.
Active in the community, Henkelman serves on the Sanford Recreation Advisory Board and writes a column for the Sanford Springvale News. “This is the town where I was always meant to live,” said Henkelman, an avid beekeeper and outdoorsman.
Since February, Henkelman has been knocking on doors to hear from residents directly. He plans to continue this grassroots outreach until Election Day to ensure he represents the real-world concerns of his neighbors, not special interests or personally profiting while in office.
For more information, to volunteer, or to contribute, please visit JohnForMaine.com.
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