Here’s what’s on the ballot in Brunswick

Brunswick, Maine — As the 2026 election cycle progresses, voters in Brunswick are casting ballots on a local slate that includes four Town Council seats, three school board positions, and a range of state House and Senate contests, all unfolding alongside high-profile races for governor and the U.S. Senate. The contest reflects the community’s ongoing focus on growth, affordability, and the direction of local governance.

Voting is already underway through several channels. Residents can cast early ballots or register at Town Hall through Oct. 29. In-person voting will take place on Election Day at the Brunswick Recreation Center. A “meet the candidates” forum is scheduled for Friday, Oct. 16, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at the Curtis Memorial Library, offering voters a chance to hear directly from those on the ballot.

Town Council

The District 5 seat is being sought by Jennifer Hicks, who is running unopposed for a second term. A 10-year Brunswick resident and outreach director for Maine Woodland Owners, Hicks has centered her platform on responsiveness to residents and addressing affordability, while noting that the council will face a significant transition after town manager Julia Henze retires next year.

Steven Weems is also running unopposed for the District 7 seat. Weems, a semi-retired businessman and nonprofit executive who has lived in Brunswick for about four decades, has identified managing growth, restraining property taxes, and upgrading the town’s recycling and solid waste strategy as top priorities. He has also highlighted housing affordability, particularly for seniors and low-income residents, as a significant challenge facing the community.

Three candidates are running for the at-large seat with a one-year term, filling the remainder of the position currently held by Katherine Wilson, who is stepping down. Nathaniel Shed, a former councilor who represented District 6 from 2023 to 2025, has made affordable housing options, implementation of Brunswick’s climate goals, and adding parking to support a vibrant downtown central to his campaign. He has also prioritized building a new, environmentally sound public works facility. Jennifer Navarro, a newcomer to the race, has focused on fiscal responsibility that protects taxpayers, responsible growth, and transparency in government, arguing that Brunswick’s growth is outpacing the capacity of its infrastructure, processes, and the public’s confidence. Paul Whitcomb, who has spoken at recent council meetings opposing the proposed fuel station project, is also on the ballot; he did not respond to the voter guide survey.

For the at-large seat with a full term, Sarah Brayman and Robert Moulton are competing. Brayman, a former council chair who served from 2012 to 2017 and has been active with Brunswick Public Art and the Curtis Memorial Library, has campaigned on affordability, good governance, transparency, and a strong environment, saying she will thoughtfully weigh differing viewpoints on the council. Moulton, who ran unsuccessfully in 2022, has made restoring confidence in the decision-making process a priority, emphasizing the need for balanced information and public input. His priorities include ensuring fairness in property tax structures and supporting business and housing growth that respects Brunswick’s distinctive character.

School Board

Three incumbents are running unopposed for Brunswick School Board seats. W. Benjamin Walsh seeks reelection in District 5, Sarah Singer in District 7, and William Thompson for the at-large seat. All three are seeking another term; none responded to the voter guide survey.

Other Races

Several state-level contests are also on the ballot. In House District 99, Democratic incumbent Cheryl Golek faces Republican challenger Braeden Webber. District 100 features Democratic Rep. Daniel Ankeles, seeking reelection, against Republican Brett Barrett. In District 101, Democratic Rep. Poppy Arford, also seeking reelection, faces Republican Ravi Jackson. For the State Senate, Senate President Mattie Daughtry, owner of Moderation Brewing in Brunswick, is seeking reelection against Republican Bernard Porter.

With early voting already in progress and the recent candidates forum completed, Brunswick voters have a wide array of choices on issues ranging from housing and taxes to climate and public trust. Results from Election Day will shape the Town Council and School Board, as well as the legislative landscape at the State House, as the community moves forward on the priorities that define its next chapter.