ABOVE: Maine House Rep. Ryan Fecteau. (Photo Maine.gov)
Maine House Democrats selected Rep. Ryan Fecteau of Biddeford Nov. 12 to succeed House Speaker Sara Gideon. Fecteau would be the youngest House speaker in the country serving currently and the first openly gay man to serve in the leadership position in Maine.
Since Democrats control the House, it’s expected that the 28-year-old will be elected by the full House when lawmakers reconvene.
Fecteau pledged that if he receives that support he will do all he can “to unite our members across parties and to improve the lives of Mainers from every corner of the state.”
“He knows what he believes in, and he will always fight for what is right,” said Rep. Matt Moonen, the outgoing majority leader. “Ryan is a leader who can help Maine through the immense challenges we are facing as a result of the pandemic, and who can address the needs of the state and all who call it home.”
Even though he’s young, Fecteau has served three terms including one as assistant majority leader. He previously chaired the Labor, Commerce, Research and Economic Development Committee.
“Working alongside him the past two years allowed me to witness his natural leadership capabilities and his dedication to the people of Maine. I wish him every success as he takes on this new role,” Gideon said.
Gideon, who lost a hard-fought effort to unseat Republican Sen. Susan Collins, was not allowed to return to the Legislature because of term limits.
Fecteau has been a forceful voice on issues important to the LGBTQ community, helping to ban so-called conversion therapy. He also pressed for construction of more affordable housing.
In the Senate, the Democratic caucus already selected Sen. Troy Jackson, D-Allagash, as its choice to serve again as Senate President.
Jackson and Fecteau are expected to be formally elected by the full House when lawmakers convene Dec. 2 at the Augusta Civic Center.
The Republican minority leaders are expected to be Sen. Jeff Timberlake in the Senate and Rep. Kathleen Dillingham in the House. They were selected by their party caucuses.
