BIDDEFORD – City Councilor Martin ‘Marty’ Grohman will become Biddeford’s next mayor. Grohman beat former state senator Susan Deschambault for the seat, 2,894 – 2,223. 

“I am very honored and grateful for the faith of the city’s voters,” Grohman said. “I’m ready and excited to get to work. It was a great campaign, and Susan [Deschambault] ran a good race.”

Grohman, a former state representative, had the support and endorsement of Mayor Alan Casavant who decided not to seek a seventh consecutive term. Deschambault had strong support for her campaign from key Democrat Party leaders and activists, including Justin Alfond and State Senator Joe Baldacci, who both donated to her campaign, according to pre-election campaign filings.

Biddeford’s legislative delegation, including State Senator Henry Ingwersen, State Rep. Marc Malon and State Rep. Erin Sheehan, all formally endorsed Deschambault. Former State Reps. Megan Rochelo and Ryan Fecteau also endorsed Deschambault.

On her Facebook page, Deschambault said she appreciated the support she received. “While it was not the result we hoped for, it was deeply rewarding to connect with so many of you over these past few months,” Deschambault posted. “Biddeford is the city I love, and I will always have our community’s best interests at heart. I extend my congratulations to Mr. Grohman and the councilors-elect, thank them for their willingness to serve, and wish them the best in their upcoming terms.”

In other races, former Biddeford Police Chief Roger Beaupre won his first bid for political office, edging out attorney Jason Litalien for the Ward Three seat on the city council, 481-417.

At-large city councilors Marc Lessard (3,021) and Doris Ortiz (2,384) easily won their re-election bids. Political newcomer Gregg Shapiro finished his race with 1,736 votes.

Biddeford voters also overwhelmingly approved a $9 million bond question to build an addition to the Biddeford Primary School that would allow the city to close the John F. Kennedy School, which is in need of several repairs and updates. The bond was approved 3,253 – 1,581.

School committee totals were unavailable as of press time.

Randy Seaver can be contacted at randy@randyseaver.com.