Maine Representative Kristen Cloutier Resigns to Become Senate President's Chief of Staff

Democratic Rep. Kristen Cloutier of Lewiston has resigned from her Maine House seat to become chief of staff to Senate President Mattie Daughtry. Cloutier, who served seven years and chaired the House Taxation Committee, cited mixed feelings about leaving her legislative role and a 25-year career at Bates College. Her resignation narrows the Democrats' slim majority in the House, now holding 74 seats to Republicans' 73. Lewiston City Council will decide whether to hold a special election or leave the seat vacant until the 2026 regular election; Cloutier supports Council member Scott Harriman to succeed her. House Speaker Ryan Fecteau praised Cloutier's legislative contributions, including championing the state's Paid Family Medical Leave program. Rep. Dan Sayre has been appointed to chair the Taxation Committee for the remainder of the legislative session.