Maine State Representative Ellie Sato (D-Gorham) has announced her candidacy for State Senate in District 30, per a Jan. 21 press release from her office. Representative Sato seeks to succeed State Senator Stacy Brenner, who is currently serving her third senate term and has reportedly indicated that she will not run for re-election.

“I am honored to have had the opportunity to work with her in Augusta,” Sato said. “I aim to represent the towns of Gorham and Scarborough with the same integrity and compassion that Senator Brenner embodies.”

Sato currently represents House District 109, which comprises part of Gorham. A first-generation American, she is the first Japanese American to serve in the Maine State Legislature and, if elected, would be the first Asian American to serve in the State Senate.
Elections for Maine state legislators will take place on Nov. 3.