Woodleigh Hughes

Woodleigh Hughes, also known as Woody, is the Democratic candidate for Maine House of Representatives District 78 in the November 3, 2026 general election.[1][3] His campaign website describes him as a potter who has run a working studio since 1980 and taught at the college level for more than 25 years.[2]

Hughes first came to Maine as a student at Gould Academy, according to his campaign website, which says the school introduced him to pottery, his life's career.[2] He attended art schools and has maintained a working studio since 1980, and he taught for more than 25 years at the college level and in workshops across the country and abroad.[2] He finished the last nine years of his teaching career at Gould Academy in Bethel, where he lives with his wife, Lee Hughes, and the couple bought and ran the Mill Hill Inn for seven years.[2]

Hughes advanced from the Democratic primary on June 9, 2026.[1] His site says he believes opportunities in education, job markets, housing and health care affordability strengthen communities, and that state funding is needed for public schools, community colleges and vocational training.[2]

Researched from the cited sources on 2026-10-21. Not yet independently fact-checked.