State Representative District 43 in Maine State House District 43, Maine

2026 Primary Election

• Christopher Paul Austin — Candidate for State Representative in ME

  Christopher Paul Austin is campaigning for the Maine House of Representatives, representing District 43 in the 2026 Republican primary election. He advocates for robust criminal justice reform, emphasizing stronger penalties for violent and repeat offenders, and providing more resources to law enforcement. Austin seeks to repeal the Paid Family Medical Leave law, replacing it with better options for businesses and families, and supports more affordable housing. His economic platform includes protecting Maine's lobstering industry and cutting regulations for small employers. He also champions school choice and policies to lower energy costs and ensure a reliable energy future for Maine.

• Michael Sweeny Flanagan — Retired Master Mariner in Thomaston, ME

  Michael Sweeny Flanagan is a Republican candidate running for Maine House of Representatives District 43 in the 2026 primary election. A resident of Thomaston, Flanagan filed his intent to seek the seat, which covers Thomaston, St. George, South Thomaston, Cushing, and part of Owls Head. He is a retired State of Maine Master Mariner with 42 years of experience at sea, a retired Master with Military Sealift Command, and a retired Captain in the US Naval Reserve. He also serves as a Trustee for the Maine Ocean School, an institution he actively supports. Flanagan has advocated for preparing high school students for careers at sea, emphasizing the strong work ethic of Maine mariners.

• Rhiannon Corey Hampson — Vice President for Economic Development at Gulf of Maine Research Institute and Co-owner/Operator at Grace Pond Farm in Thomaston, ME

  Rhiannon Corey Hampson is a candidate for the Maine House of Representatives, driven by a passion for public service. An experienced organic farmer and co-owner of a regenerative farm in Knox County, Hampson brings a background in advocacy and community engagement. She previously served as the presidentially appointed Maine State Director of USDA Rural Development and as a District Representative for U.S. Congresswoman Pingree. Currently, she is the Vice President for Economic Development at the Gulf of Maine Research Institute. Her policy priorities include fostering state-level economic growth, supporting local agriculture, strengthening healthcare access, and expanding affordable housing initiatives.

• Peter Q Jenks — Candidate for State Representative in Thomaston, ME

  Peter Q. Jenks, a Thomaston resident and Democratic candidate for Maine House District 43 in 2026, is running to address the high cost of living, affordable housing scarcity, and challenges to quality healthcare and education. He advocates for bolstering local businesses, schools, and arts, and limiting large entities that undermine the local economy. Jenks supports welcoming and aiding new immigrants, and champions structural changes and creative legislative solutions for an affordable Maine. His primary election is scheduled for June 9, 2026.