ST. GEORGE – On Wednesday, October 8, State Representative Ann Matlack announced her candidacy for the Maine State Senate District 12, a seat currently held by Senator Pinny Beebe-Center, who will not seek re-election in 2026.

“I’ve dedicated the majority of my career to standing up and advocating for the people of Knox County. Whether it was serving on the MSAD 50 School Board, managing our county’s budget, working for the City of Rockland and the Town of South Thomaston, or leading efforts in the nonprofit sector through my time at Penquis, my focus has always been on improving the lives of people here at home,” said Matlack, in a news release. “I’ve seen how government can be responsive and effective when it listens to the people it serves. I’m running for the Maine Senate to continue my work on behalf of Knox County families and communities.”

“Knox County is a special place to live, work, visit, raise a family, and retire,” Matlack said. “The challenges we face require collaboration and teamwork. As your Senator, I will listen to every voice, bring people together, and work tirelessly to find practical solutions that benefit our communities and families across the district.”

“Ann is a deeply committed public servant who has spent her life working to make her community stronger and more responsive to the people it serves,” said Senate President Mattie Daughtry, D-Brunswick. “In the Legislature, she has been a thoughtful and effective lawmaker, especially with her crucial work on the Taxation and Government Oversight Committees. I know she will bring that same dedication and expertise to the Maine Senate, and her leadership will well serve the good people of Knox County.”

Matlack is serving her fourth term in the Maine House of Representatives, where she sits on the Taxation and Government Oversight Committees. Prior to her time in the Legislature, she served two terms on the former MSAD 50 School Board, 10 years on the St. George Budget Committee, and 10 years on the Knox County Budget Committee. She also spent seven years as the assistant to the city manager of Rockland. 

In addition, Matlack served as board chair of Penquis, a nonprofit Community Action Agency that provides services such as Head Start, the Home Energy Assistance Program, and the Retired Senior Volunteer Program across Knox, Penobscot, and Piscataquis counties. A graduate of the University of Maine, Matlack holds a master’s degree in public policy and management from the Muskie School of Public Service. She lives in St. George with her husband.

Senate District 12 includes Appleton, Camden, Criehaven UT, Cushing, Friendship, Hope, Matinicus Isle Plantation, Muscle Ridge Islands UT, North Haven, Owls Head, Rockland, Rockport, Saint George, South Thomaston, Thomaston, Union, Vinalhaven, and Warren.