Here’s what’s on the municipal ballot in Saco and Biddeford

Absentee ballots are now being accepted for the November 3 municipal and state elections across Biddeford and Saco, as residents prepare to weigh in on a slate of local and statewide contests. The elections will determine city council seats, a mayor’s race, and multiple seats in the Maine Legislature, along with countywide races and a pair of referendums in York County.

In Saco, several city council seats are on the ballot. Ward 2 voters will choose between Joshua Parks and Trevor Nason for a three-year seat. Parks, an incumbent serving his first term and deputy mayor, is a lifelong Saco resident and Hannaford produce associate with a political science background. Nason, a lifelong resident of the Biddeford-Saco area, is making his first run for office and did not respond to the voter guide questionnaire. The ward covers the area near Scarborough and includes the Saco Heath Preserve.

Ward 3 features a contest between Sandra Guay and John Shannon III. Guay was appointed to the council in August to fill a vacancy left by William Doyle, who resigned to take a position as Gloucester’s town manager. A 30-year Saco resident, Guay has served on multiple city committees and lists her priorities as balancing commercial and residential development, creating residential opportunities across income levels, and improving traffic safety. Shannon, also a lifelong Biddeford-Saco area resident, works as a youth services supervisor at the McArthur Library and is running for office for the first time. His stated priorities include responsible growth that expands housing and economic opportunity, strong infrastructure, and an accessible, collaborative local government.

The Ward 7 seat is being sought by incumbent Nathan Johnston, who is running uncontested. A lifelong Saco resident with family ties to local community roles, Johnston has served on the City Council for 10 years and lists his focus areas as education, economic development, and infrastructure.

Jodi MacPhail is running uncontested for a second term as Saco mayor. First elected in 2023, MacPhail highlighted in her campaign announcement the establishment of a consistent and stable environment for city staff, close collaboration with the City Council on key initiatives, partnership with the school department, and investment in local projects. She wrote, “It has been an honor and a privilege to serve the residents of Saco. We are all finally getting the upgrades we deserve, and I intend to fully see them through.”

Across the two cities, voters will also decide state legislative contests. In Senate District 31, which includes Saco, Old Orchard Beach, and Buxton, incumbent Democrat Donna Bailey faces Republican challenger Scott Eccleston. In Senate District 32, covering Biddeford, Lyman, Hollis, Dayton, and Arundel, incumbent Democrat Henry Ingwersen is challenged by independent Jason Litalien.

Several house districts feature unopposed incumbents. Marshall Archer, a Democrat, is unopposed in House District 129, which covers the southwestern portion of Saco. Ryan Fecteau, the House Speaker and a Democrat, faces no opposition in District 132, covering much of downtown Biddeford. In House District 130, covering northern and coastal parts of Saco, incumbent Democrat Lynn Holland Copeland is challenged by independent Todd Davis. And in House District 133, covering the remainder of Biddeford, Democrat Marc Malon faces independent Marc Lessard, a member of the Biddeford City Council.

York County voters will also confront two countywide questions. A referendum on the ballot seeks to abolish the county treasurer position. The sheriff’s race features incumbent Democrat William King, who is seeking a fifth term, against Republican David Corbett. Independent Brian Pellerin entered the race but withdrew after ballots were printed; he was recently hired as police chief in Wells.

With absentee voting already open and Election Day set for November 3, election officials encourage residents to review their ballots and participate in the contests shaping their communities and the state.