Biography
John Henkelman is the Democratic candidate for Maine House of Representatives District 143 in the November 3, 2026 general election, facing Republican Melissa Simpson.[1][2] A scientist who lives in Sanford, he said in a Ballotpedia survey that his priorities include reducing the cost of living, childcare access, housing and healthcare.[1][3]
Henkelman earned a bachelor's degree from Palm Beach Atlantic University in 2011 and a graduate degree from the University of New Hampshire in 2024, according to Ballotpedia, which lists his profession as scientist.[1] In a Ballotpedia survey, he described himself as a Sanford resident and referred to his work as a Maine Guide.[3]
Henkelman advanced from the Democratic primary on June 9, 2026.[1] In the survey, he said he would support incentivized local food production and expanded state childcare subsidies and tax credits, and would advocate for increased housing supply in Sanford's city core.[3] He also said he would advocate for programs such as Land for Maine's Future to protect public access for hunting, fishing and trapping.[3]
- 1.John Henkelman · Ballotpedia Reference
- 2.Maine House of Representatives elections, 2026 · Ballotpedia Reference
- 3.John Henkelman - Candidate Connection survey · Ballotpedia Candidate's own words
Researched from the cited sources on 2026-10-21. Not yet independently fact-checked.
Maine House District 143
John Henkelman is on the Nov 3, 2026 ballot for Maine House District 143 as D. Not researched in depth — candidate list only.