An incumbent state senator is facing a challenger for his seat in District 28, which includes part of Portland.
Benjamin Chipman
Sen. Ben Chipman, a Democrat, is being challenged by Susan Abercrombie, a Republican.
Abercrombie did not respond to requests for information about her candidacy.
Here is a look at Chipman’s priorities and positions on some key issues.
Q: What are your three top priorities and why?
1. We must address the affordable housing crisis by passing a robust affordable housing bond, increasing the homestead exemption, and increasing the property tax fairness credit.
2. We need to establish a MaineCare for All statewide healthcare system to use our collective buying power to bring the cost down and provide healthcare to all Maine residents.
3. We must pass an amendment to the state constitution to guarantee the right to an abortion.
Q: What are your biggest concerns about the economy and what should the Legislature do to address them?
The rising cost of housing, food, and other necessities is making it very difficult for working class residents to make ends meet. Inflation and rising costs are a national issue, but I support doing everything we can at the state level to make Maine a more affordable place to live for working class residents.
Q: Do you support changing Maine’s abortion law to make it more or less restrictive and how?
I do not believe there should be any restrictions on abortion. This is a personal healthcare decision and is nobody else’s business. We must pass an amendment to the state constitution to guarantee the right to an abortion.
Q: Do you believe President Biden won the 2020 election fairly?
Absolutely. Donald Trump was voted out of office. Joe Biden won.
AT A GLANCE
City/Town: Portland
Party: Democrat
Occupation: Small business owner
Education: Graduated from the University of Maine in 1997
Civic/Political Experience: State senator 2016-present; State representative 2010-2016; Portland Charter Commission 2009-2010
— Halina Bennet
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