Luke Jensen is running for Maine House District 96 (Lewiston). A resident of Lewiston, Luke shares this information about himself to encourage you to cast your ballot for him.
Tell us a bit about your personal history – jobs held, accomplishments, or other information about you that you’d like voters to know:
I am a public school educator who has taught in both Lewiston and Auburn schools. Currently serving as the At-Large Member on Lewiston’s School Committee. Also a former City Councilor in Lewiston.
What led you to run for this office?
I’m hyper-focused on making life more affordable for working-class Mainers. The cost of living is unacceptably high, and our elected officials absolutely must prioritize regular people over the wealthy and corporations. I want to ensure that the students I teach have more opportunities for a better life when they become adults.
What are the most important issues that residents of Androscoggin County face? What do you propose to address those issues?
Cost of living issues are by far the biggest issues our residents face. My plan to address those issues is multi-faceted and comprehensive. Housing can be made more affordable by cutting red tape and supporting manufactured housing. Healthcare can be made more affordable by negotiating cheaper prescription prices, which also results in less-expensive insurance costs overall. Increased funding and strategic tax credits for childcare will save families money and ensure that both parents are able to work, if they wish. Electricity can be made more affordable by standing up to the international conglomerate that owns CMP and fighting against rate increases. Preventing data centers, which drive up regional electricity costs, is also important. Tax reform would make Maine more affordable because the wealthy and corporations would finally start paying their fair share, which would take some of the burden off of regions like Androscoggin County.
What policies and legislation do you plan to advocate for?
I am focused on cost of living issues, tax reform, strengthening our public school systems, and reducing violent crime.
What do you think the biggest challenges of this office will be? How do you plan to overcome them?
The hardest part will be creating the coalitions needed to pass the legislation that needs to get passed. In my experience as a School Committee member, a City Councilor, and a member of countless other committees, I know how to work with large and small groups to come to productive outcomes. I’ve done it before and I’ll do it again.
If elected, what elected official would you most like to emulate?
Ed Muskie has been a hero of mine for a long time. Francis Perkins is another person that serves as inspiration for what can be accomplished. Lewiston legislators Mike Lajoie and Peggy Rotundo are two people I aim to emulate when in Augusta.
What else should voters know about you before they cast their November 2026 ballots?
My campaign is focused entirely on helping seniors, families, and working-class people. Regular Mainers are demanding change because the current system is unsustainable and unacceptable. I’ve never been wealthy and I wasn’t born with a silver spoon in my mouth. I’m committed to fighting for change and making my community the very best it can be.