Maine Democrats choose new party leaders

AUGUSTA – Maine Democrats chose new leaders on Sunday, electing attorney Charlie Dingman as chairman and Imke Schlesser-Jandreau as vice chair. 

The new leaders, chosen by the Maine Democratic State Committee, will replace outgoing chairwoman Bev Uhlenhake and vice-chair Julian Rogers, who announced earlier this month that they were both stepping down. 

The new leaders take over at a critical time in Maine politics, with an open seat for governor in 2026 as well as a U.S. Senate contest in which Republican Sen. Susan Collins has indicated she plans to run for a sixth term. 

In a statement, Dingman, of Leeds, said Maine Democrats are wary of potential changes from the Trump administration. 

“This is a challenging moment for all of us in the party of Maine’s working people, as our new national regime serves the interests of the very few who are wealthy enough not to do their own work and pursues its agenda without a care for those most vulnerable to their cruelty,” he said. 

Democrats did well at the state level last November, maintaining control of the Maine House and Senate as well as the hotly contested 2nd Congressional District. 

Yet Republicans gained ground, coming within 100 votes of taking control of the Maine House. 

Schlesser-Jandreau, of Bangor, said in a statement that she’s looking forward to working in all communities in Maine. 

“We have an incredible opportunity to rebrand the party, lean into our values, and bring people together,” she said. “By listening to Mainers who have felt unheard for too long we will build strong grassroots campaigns that unite all corners of the state.” 

Earlier this month, Maine Republicans changed party leadership as well, selecting Jim Deyermond as chairman and Scott Rocknak as vice-chair.