Democrat Scott Harriman won a special election on Tuesday night to fill a vacant seat in the Maine House of Representatives.
“Harriman defeated Republican Janet Beaudoin by a vote margin of 572 to 503,” Maine Public reports.
HUGE: Democrat Scott Harriman won the special election for Maine House District 94, maintaining Democratic control of the seat.
— Democrats (@TheDemocrats) February 25, 2026
Congratulations, Rep-elect Harriman! pic.twitter.com/3RcT8lkyrh
“Janet Beaudoin only lost her election by roughly 70 votes to Scott Harriman (state rep in their Lewiston district). Scott had a massive team of Democrats canvassing for him like Hannah Pingree & many others that unified to get him in the seat. The district has over 5,500 registered voters and turnout was abysmal with about 1000 total that voted,” one X user commented.
“This is a win for Dems in that area, but it also reveals that it would have been VERY easy for Republicans to seize that seat,” the statement continued.
Janet Beaudoin only lost her election by roughly 70 votes to Scott Harriman (state rep in their Lewiston district).
— TheUnquirer (@unquirer) February 25, 2026
Scott had a massive team of Democrats canvassing for him like Hannah Pingree & many others that unified to get him in the seat. The district has over 5,500… pic.twitter.com/PjVx7LChSG
Maine Public shared further:
Harriman’s victory means that Democrats will have a narrow, three-seat advantage over Republicans in the 151-member House, with three independent or unenrolled members. Another special election will be held in June to fill a seat held by Republican Rep. Kathy Javner, who died in January.
The special election in Lewiston was a high priority for both parties because of the potential implications for control of the House. Harriman, 39, is currently serving his third term on the Lewiston City Council and also serves on the Lewiston School Committee.
“Scott Harriman ran a tremendous campaign that was laser-focused on real solutions that will drive Maine forward,” Democratic National Committee (DNC) Chair Ken Martin said.
“With last night’s win, Democrats are all hands on deck to strengthen Democratic power in Maine and continue winning elections up and down the ballot in 2026,” he added.
Scott Harriman ran a tremendous campaign that was laser-focused on real solutions that will drive Maine forward.
— Ken Martin (@kenmartin73) February 25, 2026
With last night’s win, Democrats are all hands on deck to strengthen Democratic power in Maine and continue winning elections up and down the ballot in 2026. https://t.co/8IZNySOw66
The Hill noted:
The special election attracted attention from prominent national and local figures, including Democratic National Committee (DNC) Chair Ken Martin, who stumped for Harriman.
Meanwhile, Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) endorsed Beaudoin in the race, while Republicans including former Maine Gov. Paul LePage, who’s running for Congress, and Maine House Minority Leader Billy Bob Faulkingham (R) also campaigned with the candidate.
The election gives Democrats a 75-72 edge in the lower chamber, though several independent and unenrolled members often side with the party, offering Democrats an added cushion.
In related news, Democrats won two special elections in Pennsylvania, retaining their House majority.
Two Special Election Victories Help Democrats Maintain Majority In State House
