State Senate District 32 race

Incumbent Democrat Henry Ingwersen and Republican newcomer Al Schutz are vying for the State Senate District 32 seat, covering Arundel, Biddeford, Dayton, Hollis and Lyman.

The candidates in alphabetical order by last name:

 Henry Ingwersen, 73, of Arundel, is married with three daughters and 12 grandchildren. He served as a state representative from 2018-2020 and has served as a state senator since 2022. He is past president of the Arundel Conservation Trust and currently serving on the Arundel Conservation Trust Board of Directors.

He said as a legislator, he listens carefully to all perspectives to understand craft the most sensible solution to sensible solution to policies that will benefit my constituents and all Mainers.

“One strength I have is helping my constituents who reach out to me with questions, problems, or issues that need solving. I enjoy being able to get information for my constituents or putting them in touch with folks at the state or federal level who can assist them. I think this is some of the most important work I do,” said Ingwersen.

Ingwersen said, if re-elected, “My top priority, as always, will be to continue to work hard to the best of my abilities for my constituents and represent them well in the Maine Senate. Whether I'm working from the State House or in my district, I will always be available.”

If re-elected, one of his top priorities regarding policies will be affordable housing for workforce and older Mainers.

“Housing prices and rents have skyrocketed and we need to do better to come up with solutions for a lot more affordable housing in the state so that our children are able to stay here and work here and so that our older Mainers are not driven out of their homes,” he said.

Workforce training, including supporting resources for technology schools and providing free community college education, is another of Ingwersen’s top priorities, as is the continuation of tiered stipends for childcare providers.

 Alfred “Al” Schutz, 64, of Arundel, is single and has never held a political office.

He is past president of the Maine Transit Association, past member of Lions club, and a member of the American legion.

“I believe my military service and my 23 years of managing transit systems in two States have given me keen insight to tackle complicated problems,” he said.

Schutz said if elected, his top priorities would be financial stability for all Mainers, strengthening infrastructure and bolstering economic opportunity for all.

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