House Democrats nominate Ryan Fecteau to serve as Speaker of the Maine House of Representative

On Thursday, Maine House Democrats nominated Rep. Ryan Fecteau, D-Biddeford, to serve as Speaker of the Maine House and elected Rep. Matt Moonen, D-Portland, to serve as House Majority Leader and Rep. Lori Gramlich, D-Old Orchard Beach, as Assistant Majority Leader for the 132nd Legislature.

Speaker-elect Fecteau will be formally elected by the full House of Representatives when the Legislature convenes for swearing-in day on Wednesday, Dec. 4. Fecteau previously served as Speaker of the House during the 130th Legislature.

Fecteau thanked his colleagues in a written statement and congratulated Moonen and Gramlich.

 “This leadership team is strong, dedicated and poised to make great progress for Maine,” he said. “We are eager to get to work on an agenda that recognizes the needs of all Mainers and addresses the issues that matter most to our communities. From tackling the high cost of living and ensuring access to quality healthcare, to advancing educational opportunities and increasing the housing supply, we are committed to making real, positive change. This session, our priorities will focus on building a Maine that is affordable, equitable, and resilient. We know that Mainers are looking to us for leadership that unites and strengthens our state, and we will work tirelessly to uphold that trust.”

Outgoing Speaker Rachel Talbot Ross congratulated Fecteau in a written statement.

“Serving as Speaker of the Maine House has been both an incredible honor and a profound responsibility, and I am confident that Ryan knows full well how equally challenging and rewarding this role is. I wish him every success as he steps into this new chapter of leadership,” she said.

Moonen is entering his sixth non-consecutive term in the House representing part of Portland. He is a longtime leader in progressive politics in Maine and previously served as the House Majority Leader during the 129th Legislature. He most recently served as the House chair of the Legislature’s Judiciary Committee.

“We have a strong and diverse caucus with a wide range of talent, experience and knowledge. I’m proud of what we’ve been able to accomplish over the last two years, but there is still so much more that we need to do to deliver for Maine families. Our caucus also stands ready to defend the fundamental rights and freedoms of all Mainers from any cruel policies that are implemented by the federal government over the next few years. We’re ready to get to work and move Maine forward,” he said in a written statement.

Gramlich is a longtime social worker who is entering her fourth term in the House representing Old Orchard Beach. She served as the House chair of the Legislature's Environment and Natural Resources Committee during the 131st Legislature.

“It is both an honor and a privilege to be chosen by my House Democratic colleagues to serve as their Assistant Majority Leader. This caucus is full of exceptional people, and I am so grateful for their support and trust. In this new role, I’m looking forward to working hard with all of my colleagues to continue making critical progress on the issues that matter to our constituents, including protecting our environment, reducing gun violence, supporting our children and building a brighter future for all Mainers,” said Gramlich in a written statement.

Members of the 132nd Legislature will be sworn in on Wednesday, Dec. 4. There are 77 incoming Democratic representatives.