Sen. Anne Carney sworn into Maine Senate

Earlier today, Sen. Anne Carney, D-Cape Elizabeth, was sworn into the Maine Senate. Sen. Carney was elected to her third term in the Senate in November.

Gov. Janet Mills administered the oath of office to Sen. Carney and her Senate colleagues, all of whom have been elected to serve two-year terms. She represents the good people of Senate District 29 which includes South Portland, Cape Elizabeth, and part of Scarborough.

“I’m honored to serve a third term as your State Senator to continue my work advocating for a clean environment, safe schools, working families and access to justice for all Mainers,” said Sen. Carney. “In my role on the Judiciary Committee, I’ve been working hard to ensure our legal system is fair and just. Looking ahead, I’m committed to addressing climate change and reducing pollution of our air, water and soil. I also will continue to advance legislation that keeps our communities, schools, streets, and homes safe and that provides working families with the support they need and deserve.”

Sen. Carney serves as Senate Chair of the Judiciary Committee. She is the Senate Chair of the Gun Safety Caucus as well as a member of the Children’s Caucus.

Prior to serving in the Maine State Legislature, Sen. Carney practiced employment, civil rights and municipal law for 17 years, representing businesses, individuals, cities and towns throughout Maine. She then served as a volunteer attorney with Pine Tree Legal Assistance for 8 years. She received the Pine Tree Legal Assistance Award for Pro Bono Services in 2016.

In recognition of her work to promote public safety and reduce gun violence, Sen. Carney has received the Fitzgerald Award from the Maine Gun Safety Coalition. She also received the Children’s Advocacy Center Award from the Maine Coalition Against Sexual Assault in recognition of Maine’s new law that makes it easier for children to testify in sexual assault cases. Additionally, Sen. Carney was awarded the Howard H. Dana, Jr. Award by the Maine Justice Foundation for her significant contributions to advancing access to justice.

Sen. Carney served on the Board of Directors of the Cape Elizabeth Land Trust from 2010 to 2018, including three years as Board President, and she continues to serve the Land Trust as an Advisory Board member. She is also on the Board of Farms for Food Equity, which promotes the sustainability of farms in Maine and combats food insecurity.

The swearing-in ceremony was held in the Senate Chamber, and was attended by family and friends of the Senators, as well as the general public. A live stream of the event was made available to the general public, and can be viewed online at http://legislature.maine.gov/senate/. 

Of the 35 total members of the Maine Senate, there are 20 Democrats and 15 Republicans. Fifteen are women, and 20 are men. There are seven new members of the Senate, three of which most recently served in the House of Representatives. Twenty-eight members are incumbents. 

The Legislature will reconvene at the start of the New Year. Learn more about Sen. Carney at www.mainesenate.org.