Former Maine House Speaker Ryan Fecteau of Biddeford announced this week that he hopes to replace State. Rep. Erin Sheehan (a fellow Democrat) in the November election for the District 132 seat in the Maine Legislature.

According to Fecteau, Sheehan will not be seeking re-election for a third consecutive term in the House of Representatives.

Sheehan did not return calls for comment but according to Fecteau, she is “endorsing” his candidacy.

District 132 represents much of Biddeford’s municipal core, including the downtown and stretching along the northern boundary of West Street.

Last year, Fecteau and his partner purchased a home on Clark Street in Biddeford.

In a press release, Sheehan said she is stepping down later this year in order to more fully support the launch of a “new business” with her husband.

Fecteau served four consecutive terms in the House, first elected in 2014. Six years later, he made Maine history as the first Biddeford representative to be elected to this leadership post. He was also the first openly gay person to serve as speaker and the youngest speaker in Maine since 1842.

Fecteau, 31, said he is excited about the prospect of returning to the Legislature.

“Biddeford is my hometown, and I am proud of this city,” Fecteau said. “I can see the good things happening here, but I also see people in a pinch.”

Fecteau said his priorities will include expanding affordable housing options, improved resources for childcare and workforce development.

Fecteau said he will not file as a Clean Election candidate and will instead run a more traditional campaign. As of press time, no other Democrats or Republicans had expressed interest for the June 2024 primary elections.

District 132 is traditionally a stronghold of the Maine Democrat Party.

Fecteau currently serves as the Senior Officer of Policy and Planning for Avesta Housing, a position, he said, that will not conflict with his service in the Legislature.

“I’m not a registered lobbyist, and I don’t do any lobbying work,” Fecteau said.

Fecteau was featured in Saco Bay News profile last year: Fecteau reflects on a unique time in the Maine Legislature

Randy Seaver is a cranky, nearly insufferable malcontent living in Biddeford. He is a retired newspaper editor and the principal of a small strategic communications consulting firm. He may be contacted at randy@randyseaver.com.

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