Shanna Cox is running for Maine Senate District 21 (Lewiston). A resident of Lewiston, Shanna shares this information about herself to encourage you to cast your ballot for her.
Tell us a bit about your personal history – jobs held, accomplishments, or other information about you that you’d like voters to know:
I have spent my career helping communities solve problems. As a community and economic development leader, small business owner, and nonprofit executive, I have worked to bring people together across differences, strengthen local economies, support employers, and build stronger neighborhoods.
Most recently, I served as President and CEO of the LA Metro Chamber of Commerce, where I helped businesses navigate the pandemic, supported economic recovery, and advocated for practical solutions grounded in the realities facing employers and working families. I currently serve as Chair of the Lewiston Planning Board after more than seven years as a board member, and I recently reopened my consulting practice, Project Tipping Point, where I help organizations strengthen leadership, navigate change, and build lasting partnerships. Earlier in my career, I worked in public health, affordable housing, community organizing, and community development, experiences that continue to shape how I approach public policy.
When I moved to Lewiston in my twenties, I was a single mom raising three young boys and working at Fuel Restaurant on Lisbon Street. Living downtown introduced me to people from every walk of life and showed me both the challenges and the incredible strengths of this community. Those experiences taught me that good ideas can come from anywhere, that listening matters, and that our differences are often our greatest strength. Lewiston became home, and I’ve spent the years since working to help it thrive.
What led you to run for this office?
I am running for the Maine State Senate because too many families and small businesses are working harder than ever and still struggling to get ahead. Rising costs, housing shortages, and uncertainty about safety and stability are putting real pressure on people’s everyday lives.
I believe hard work matters, but hard work alone isn’t enough when costs keep rising, and support systems fall short. I’m running to bring integrity-driven, steady leadership to Augusta, focused on making life more affordable, strengthening community safety, and building a local economy that works close to home.
I am committed to listening first, explaining decisions clearly, and acting responsibly – especially when the stakes are high and the choices aren’t easy.
What are the most important issues that residents of Androscoggin County face? What do you propose to address those issues?
The concerns I hear most often from people are about affordability. Families are feeling squeezed by the rising cost of housing, groceries, healthcare, childcare, and everyday necessities. People also want safe neighborhoods, strong schools, good jobs, and confidence that they can build a future here without having to leave the community they love.
Addressing those concerns starts with practical leadership that listens, brings people together, and focuses on long-term solutions instead of short-term politics. We have the tools to make progress, but we need the willingness to work together and follow through.
What policies and legislation do you plan to advocate for?
I will prioritize policies that make life more affordable and strengthen Maine’s economy.
That starts with modernizing our tax system so it works better for working families. I support reducing the effective tax burden on middle-income households while asking those with the greatest ability to contribute, including the highest-income earners and owners of multiple non-primary residences, to pay a fairer share.
I will also advocate for policies that increase housing production. That means reducing unnecessary barriers to development, improving permitting processes, encouraging mixed-income housing, and creating incentives for communities and developers to build the homes Maine needs while preserving existing affordable housing.
Finally, I will support legislation that helps businesses grow and create good jobs by investing in workforce development, strengthening infrastructure, and making government more predictable, responsive, and efficient.
What do you think the biggest challenges of this office will be? How do you plan to overcome them?
One of the biggest challenges is rebuilding trust in government while working in an increasingly polarized political environment. People deserve leaders who spend more time solving problems than arguing about them.
Throughout my career, I have brought together people with different perspectives to tackle difficult issues. Whether in housing, economic development, workforce, or community recovery, I’ve learned time and again that lasting solutions come from listening first, finding common ground where possible, and being honest when there are difficult tradeoffs.
I won’t agree with everyone all the time, but I will always explain my decisions, remain accessible to constituents, and stay focused on delivering results for the people of Lewiston and Androscoggin County.
If elected, what elected official would you most like to emulate?
I don’t aspire to be someone else. I’ve been fortunate to learn from many outstanding public servants, including Senator Peggy Rotundo, who has demonstrated that thoughtful, hardworking leadership and genuine relationships can make a real difference.
More than emulating any one person, I hope to be known as someone who prepared carefully, listened respectfully, worked collaboratively, and kept my word.
What else should voters know about you before they cast their November 2026 ballots?
Public service has always been about community for me. Before running for office, I spent years helping organizations solve problems, supporting businesses and nonprofits, serving on volunteer boards, and working alongside neighbors to make Lewiston stronger.
I know what it’s like to struggle. I also know what it means to build a life with the help of a strong community. Those experiences shape how I lead.
Whether someone voted for me or not, I will show up, listen, and work hard on their behalf. My goal isn’t to score political points, it’s to leave our community stronger than I found it.