Maine State Chamber of Commerce Endorses Shanna Cox and William St. Michel in Legislative Primary Races

The Maine State Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce its endorsements of two candidates seeking election to the Maine Legislature:

• Shanna Cox (D-Lewiston) in the Democratic Primary for Senate District 21
• William St. Michel (R-Durham) in the Republican Primary for House District 98
  
  

As part of its 2026 election engagement efforts, the Maine State Chamber of Commerce distributed a candidate questionnaire to legislative candidates in selected primary races. The questionnaire focused on key issues affecting Maine's economy, including workforce, housing, energy, innovation, taxation, and the state's overall business climate.
The endorsements follow a review of candidate questionnaire responses, as well as consideration of each candidate’s personal experience and commitment to engaging with Maine’s business community.

Shanna Cox brings experience in economic and community development, as well as small business ownership, to her candidacy for the Maine State Senate. As a former president and CEO of the Lewiston Auburn Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce, she worked closely with employers across the district and developed an understanding of the challenges facing Maine businesses and communities.

William “Bill” St. Michel is a retired small business owner with a background in the trades and property management. He also dedicated 25 years to public service as Chief of the Durham Fire Department. Through his experience in business and public service, he understands how state policies, including regulatory and energy costs, affect Maine employers, employees, and families.

"The stakes are high for Maine’s economy, and the next Legislature will shape the underlying policies that facilitate or impede its economic growth in the years to come,” said Patrick Woodcock, President and CEO of the Maine State Chamber of Commerce. “It is critical that this state address our economic headwinds and confront energy affordability, housing availability, workforce development, and permitting and improve Maine's overall business climate. We believe these candidates are well positioned to support policies that will strengthen Maine's economy and create greater opportunities for Maine people and businesses, and we encourage our members and Maine voters to support these qualified candidates."

The Maine State Chamber of Commerce Board last year adopted a political engagement plan to make endorsements in state legislative races and engage through independent expenditures to support a Legislature that supports economic growth and economic opportunity.  As part of that effort, the Chamber, with partners, has established the “Mainers for Economic Opportunity PAC.” The Chamber, through the Mainers for Economic Opportunity PAC, has made these first endorsements with Shanna Cox and William St. Michel, and looks forward to continuing its work with legislators who are committed to fostering economic opportunity throughout the state.

About the Mainers for Economic Opportunity PAC
The Mainers for Economic Opportunity PAC was established to support candidates who demonstrate a commitment to policies that support growing Maine’s economy.

About the Maine State Chamber of Commerce
Founded in 1889, the Maine State Chamber of Commerce is Maine’s largest business association, serving as The Voice of Maine Business on behalf of thousands of employers of all sizes and sectors across the state. The Maine State Chamber focuses on three pillars - Advocacy, Access, and Awareness - to advance a positive business climate and secure a strong state economy in which Maine businesses can compete and succeed. For more information, please visit www.mainechamber.org.