House Democrats on Friday chose Assistant Majority Leader Sara Gideon, D-Freeport, as their nominee for Speaker of the House and Reps. Erin Herbig, D-Belfast, and Jared Golden, D-Lewiston, as House majority leader and assistant House majority leader.

“Maine people spoke loud and clear. They want government that is working together and working for them.  They are demanding a fair economy that works for everyone, from Madawaska to Kittery,” said Gideon, D-Freeport, in a news release from the House Democrat Office. “It’s now time for Maine’s leaders to come together to work on smart policies that can move our state forward.” 

“Economic stability for working Maine families will be our priority,” said Herbig, in the release. “We will achieve that by growing jobs with strong wages and good benefits. We will promote smart economic development and policies that are best for Maine families. Mainers are going to know that House Democrats are fighting for what is important to them.”

Herbig has served as House chair of the Labor, Commerce, Research and Economic Development Committee for the past four years. She is entering her fourth term.

“I'm honored to be selected by my colleagues to be part of the House Democrats' leadership team,” said Golden, D-Lewiston. “I look forward to working with the entire Legislature in a bipartisan way to improve Maine's economy and provide opportunities for all Mainers.”

Golden is heading into his second term. A Marine Corps veteran, he co-chaired the Commission to Strengthen and Align the Services Provided to Maine Veterans and was a member of the Veteran and Legal Affairs Committee and the Transportation Committee.

The House Democratic caucus selected Gideon, Herbig and Golden by secret ballot. The tallies were not disclosed. 

The full House of Representatives will elect the speaker on Wednesday, Dec. 7, after members of the 128th Legislature are sworn in.