NEWSSCENTER MAINE: Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows announces bid for governor

MARCH 26, 2025 - Bellows made the announcement Wednesday morning at the Hancock Community Center, returning to the town where she grew up.  

"I believe now more than ever we need a new day in America. That begins with new leadership. And I'm proud and humbled to announce that today I announced my run for governor for the great state of Maine," Bellows said to a room of family, friends, and supporters. 

Bellows attended Ellsworth High School, where she ran cross-country and track, before she went to Middlebury College. 

Bellows is the first woman to serve as Maine secretary of state and was sworn into office in 2021. 

Prior to her tenure as secretary of state, Bellows served as a state senator and was the executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Maine. 

She also ran as a Democratic challenger for U.S. Senate against incumbent Sen. Susan Collins in 2014 but lost to the senior senator. 

In 2016, Bellows ran a successful campaign for Maine Senate, representing her new home residence of Manchester and 10 other central Maine communities. She was re-elected and served as a state senator through 2020. 

Bellows currently serves as Maine's secretary of state and has since 2021. 

Those attending the announcement said they feel Bellows is the right fit for the Blaine House.

“I’m excited that we could have in Maine an example of the best of everything we believe is good in our country in one person, and she will be a bright shining light,” Ellen Dohmen said.

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