ROCKLAND — Former State Representative Anne “Pinny” Beebe-Center, D-Rockland, announced her candidacy Thursday evening for the Maine State Senate District 12 seat that will be open during the November 2022 elections. 

"I am thrilled to announce my candidacy for Maine Senate District 12," said Beebe-Center. "I’ve dedicated my career to public service, whether through my work as a teacher, an elected official or my involvement with community projects like the Knox County Homeless Coalition. I am excited to bring my skills and service back to Augusta.”

The seat is currently held by Senator David Miramant, D-Camden, who will be term limited when his current term expires. Miramant has held the seat since winning the November 2014 election. 

Miramant’s election victory flipped the seat from Republican to Democratic following Gary Plummer’s decision to not seek reelection. 

“I know that Pinny will be an excellent Senator for Knox County,” said Senator Miramant. “She has served our community with passion and dedication and will bring strong leadership to Augusta.”

Senate District 12 serves the communities of Appleton, Camden, Criehaven Township, Cushing, Friendship, Hope, Isle au Haut, Matinicus Isle Plantation, Muscle Ridge Islands Township, North Haven, Owl’s Head, Rockland, Rockport, South Thomaston, Saint George, Thomaston, Union, Vinalhaven and Warren.

Beebe-Center, a Rockland resident, spent more than two decades with the Maine Department of Education and the Department of Transportation before holding political office. 

Her first run for office came in 2002 when she was elected as a Knox County Commissioner, earning reelection in 2006. 

Since 2002, she served as business manager for the Community School (now known as Wayfinder Schools), regional manager for Penquis Community Action Program and has served as a consultant to local organizations and efforts to increase access to mental health services for uninsured people, develop aging-in-place programs, attract and support addiction prevention and recovery programs, integrate access and provide housing for people who are homeless.

Beebe-Center was elected to represent House District 93, serving the communities of Rockland and Owls Head, during a special March 2015 election to fill a seat vacated by the resignation of Elizabeth Dickerson. 

She then won reelection in 2016 and 2018 before opting to not seek reelection in 2020. 

“Pinny has spent her life serving the people of Knox County, she has a track record of delivering results,” said Senate President Troy Jackson, D-Allagash. “In the Legislature, Pinny worked hard to increase funding for education, protect our working waterfronts and environment, and lower property taxes for families and seniors. Her passion for her community, experience as a county commissioner and long-standing commitment to the people in Knox County is exactly what we need in Augusta."

Voters can connect with the new senatorial candidate via her campaign website and on Facebook.