What’s on the ballot in Scarborough?
Read all of our coverage of Maine's 2026 election or stay up to date with the latest developments through the Maine Political Report in your inbox or text messages from politics editor Kirby Wilson.
Scarborough residents have a lot of choices to make ahead of the November election, with an array of candidates running for seats on the Town Council, school board and sanitary district, a number town officials say is unprecedented. On top of local elections, residents will be asked to vote in county, state and federal races.
To see the complete ballot and dive more into candidate responses, explore the 2026 Maine Voter Guide.
Here’s what residents can expect to see on their ballots Nov. 3:
REFERENDUM
Scarborough and Old Orchard Beach residents will vote on a $7.4 million upgrade to the radio communications system used by both towns’ public safety, public service and school departments.
Firefighters and police officers in both towns have said they’ve experienced communications problems during emergency situations using the current system, which uses 1950s technology and 1990s infrastructure.
Related
Scarborough, Old Orchard Beach could vote on $7M communications upgrade in November
The total cost is estimated at nearly $12.4 million, with Scarborough contributing $9.2 million and Old Orchard Beach contributing $3.2 million. However, other funding sources could reduce that number.
Advertisement
The Scarborough referendum will ask residents to approve borrowing up to $6 million, in anticipation of receiving federal grants. If the towns don’t receive the grants, Scarborough will have to seek out other funding options or return to the voters to bridge the gap.
LOCAL RACES
There are seven candidates for three open seats on the Scarborough Town Council. The terms will expire in 2029. Here’s a brief rundown of what they had to say in our Voter Guide.
Isha Agarwal, a Democrat, is running for office for the first time. She is an emergency room doctor and a mom to three young kids. Her top priorities are strong schools, safe roads and more thoughtful and slower growth. Agarwal is running to support strong schools and safe roads.
Lawrence Cain, who is non-partisan, is the only incumbent running for a seat. He served a partial term starting in June 2025, during which he authored or assisted initiatives including a 20% increase to senior property tax relief, a 3.09% budget tax increase and a short-term rental ordinance. His top three priorities are managing growth, affordability for all residents and quality of life issues. He owned a small business for 35 years and is now retired.
Samuel Cofone is the owner and operator of the Downeaster Motel and a former Cumberland County sheriff’s deputy. Cofone, a Republican, is running for office for the first time. His top priorities are slowing growth so infrastructure can catch up, cutting unnecessary spending of tax dollars, and making town government more transparent and holding town officials accountable. His disciplinary records from his 28 years with the sheriff’s office span 65 pages and show numerous suspensions, reprimands and warnings from 1995 to 2021.
Related
Scarborough Town Council candidate had extensive disciplinary history as sheriff’s deputy
Sean Flaherty served as a member of the Maine House of Representatives from 2008 to 2010. Flaherty, a Democrat, is a lawyer, and his top priorities are accountability and transparency, sustainability and infrastructure, and safe streets and neighborhoods. In 2010, during his previous term as a legislator, Flaherty was arrested for operating under the influence, which was the focus of widespread coverage.
Advertisement
“I hope the voters aren’t really interested in someone who is perfect or claims to be perfect, because I am not. If my mistake from 2010 can help anybody learn to deal with problems or avoid problems, I am happy to be the teaching tool,” Flaherty said this week. “In the 16 years since, I never stopped trying to serve folks in Scarborough and I have the receipts to prove it.”
Denise Hamilton, an assistant controller and small business owner, has closely followed local government and participated in municipal meetings. She is non-partisan and running for office for the first time. Her top three priorities are thoughtful growth, infrastructure and independent research.
Jessica Sargent is a small business owner and conservation policy consultant running for office for the first time. She is a Democrat, a conservation economist and a community volunteer. Her top priorities are resilient infrastructure, balanced growth in appropriate areas and fiscally responsible budgeting.
R. Wayne Werts, a Democrat, is a retired fire chief and paramedic. He was a member of the Maine House of Representatives in 2012 representing House District 70, and he was defeated in 2014 when he ran for reelection. His top priorities are travel and infrastructure, growth and taxes, and curtailing ICE.
There are two candidates running to fill one vacant seat on the Scarborough Board of Education, with a term expiring in June 2028.
Andrew Guillerault is a stay-at-home dad, coach, former district employee and the husband of a teacher. His top three priorities are kids, parents and teachers, and he wants to make transparent policies that support a strong school culture.
Advertisement
Stephen Zamierowski is an outdoor educator with experience as a substitute teacher, wilderness skills specialist and outdoor education guide. His top priorities are supporting school, staff and parents in navigating evolving technology usage, operating within the budget, and preparing for construction and transition to a new school building environment.
There are three seats with three-year terms expiring in 2029 for the Scarborough Sanitary District. Matthew Garrett, Jason Greenleaf, Denis Lafreniere Jr. and Benjamin McDougal are running.
STATE RACES
Scarborough is divided into two Senate districts — 29 and 30 — and three House districts — 124, 125 and 126.
In state Senate District 29, Democratic incumbent Anne Carney is facing Republican Vincent Maietta. In District 30, M. Thad Moody is the Republican candidate going up against Democrat Sophie Bailey Warren, who is currently representing Scarborough in the Maine House of Representatives.
For the Maine House of Representatives District 124 seat, the candidates are Democrat Eric James Nathanson; Independent Mary Shannon Lindstrom, chair of the Scarborough Board of Education; and Republican Scott W. Doherty, a Scarborough town councilor. Democratic incumbent Kelly Maureen Noonan Murphy is the only candidate on the ballot for District 125. For the District 126 seat, Republican Ethan E. Mongue is facing the incumbent, Democrat Andrew Gattine.
Voters will also choose between Democratic nominee Hannah Pingree, Republican nominee Bobby Charles and independent Rick Bennett for governor.
Advertisement
OTHER RACES
Scarborough residents will vote in the U.S. Senate race between Democrat Troy Jackson and Republican incumbent Susan Collins.
In Maine’s 1st Congressional District, Democratic Rep. Chellie Pingree will face Republican Ronald Russell.
Cumberland County Sheriff Kevin Joyce is the only candidate in the sheriff’s race. Paul Aranson is the only candidate for judge of probate.
Stephanie Anderson, who is independent, and Jacqueline Sartoris, a Democrat, are running for Cumberland County district attorney. The Cumberland County district attorney serves four years and prosecutes all criminal cases, except homicides, which are handled by the attorney general.
HOW TO VOTE
People who want to register to vote must now do so in person at the Town Clerk’s Office. The office will be open late from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 28, for voter registration.
Early voting is taking place from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Thursdays at Town Hall, until Thursday, Oct. 29.
Copy the Story Link
Tagged: election 2026, scarborough town council
Salomé Cloteaux is a community reporter covering Scarborough and Westbrook. She was born in France but lived in Indiana for most of her life before moving to Portland in November 2025. Salomé has a degree. More by Salomé Cloteaux
