Chenette announces re-election bid for County Commissioner

York County Commissioner Justin Chenette of Saco has announced he will seek a second four-year term in the 2026 election for District 3, which includes the communities of Saco, Old Orchard Beach, Hollis, and Buxton.

Chenette made the announcement in a Jan. 5 press release.

Chenette said he is the first millennial and first openly LGBTQ+ individual ever elected to the commission and was selected by his fellow commissioners to serve a term as vice chair.

“Since taking office, county government has become more relevant, visible, impactful, and accountable to the public,” said Chenette in a written statement. “County government is no longer the lost level of government it had been. I’m proud of the leadership we’ve been able to provide on issues around food insecurity, coastal erosion, public safety, substance use recovery, and transparency.”

Chenette cited efforts to save the York County Food Pantry, operationalize a county-run dredge program, construct the first responders training center, fund body cameras for deputies, outfit patrol cruisers with lifesaving defibrillators, create a new county website, and pass the first-ever pride proclamations as key accomplishments.

The Primary Election is set for June 9 and the General Election is set for Nov. 3.

Publisher Liz Gotthelf can be reached at newsdesk@sacobaynews.com.