Justin Chenette

Justin Chenette is the author of the children's book, The Great Whoopie Pie Debate: A Kids' Guide to the Maine Legislature, and it's companion coloring book.

Justin Chenette is a 4-term state lawmaker, having served 8 years in the Maine legislature both as a Senator and Representative. He has served on various policy committees including as Chair of Government Oversight and as a member of Environment & Natural Resources, Criminal Justice & Public Safety, Taxation, State & Local Government, and Senate Ethics Committees. Justin also served as a Citizen Trade Policy Commissioner, Co-Chair of the Democracy Reform Caucus, and Chair of the Youth Caucus.

In 2012, Justin made history becoming the nation’s youngest legislator and Maine's youngest lawmaker at age 21. He was sworn into office just a week before graduating from college. He then became the youngest Senator elected at age 25. Justin has been recognized nationally by The Advocate magazine, listing him on their list of the 40 Under 40 most accomplished leaders throughout the country.

Justin’s political career began at age 17 when Governor John Baldacci appointed him to serve on the Maine State Board of Education, making history as its first student board member. While he was a delegate to the 2012 Democratic National Convention, he was also a congressional intern for Republican U.S. Senator Olympia Snowe. He re-established the statewide organization, Maine Young Democrats, serving as its president for two years and was an intern at Saco City Hall. Each year, Justin helps students attend college through his family’s nonprofit scholarship fund. Two U.S. Presidents have honored his community work as the recipient of the gold level Volunteer Service Award; in 2008, by President Bush, and in 2016, by President Obama.

After attending Saco public schools, he graduated high school from Thornton Academy while taking a full semester of college courses at the University of Southern Maine. Justin graduated from Northern Vermont University-Lyndon with a B.S. in Broadcast News and was honored with the Outstanding Young Alumni Award. Justin also earned an Executive Certificate in Public Leadership from Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government.

Justin is the founder of the Maine Democracy Project, which works to empower a new generation of voters through civics education, voter registration, and electoral engagement efforts.

Learn more at www.JustinChenette.com.