Sanford Police Chief Eric Small announced he will run as a Republican for a seat in Maine’s State House District 143 on Monday, just hours after ending his campaign for the First Congressional District U.S. House seat held by Rep. Chellie Pingree.
[RELATED: Sanford’s Police Chief Drops Out of Republican Contest to Challenge Pingree’s CD1 Seat…]
“I’m Eric Small, and I’m running to serve the people of Sanford at the State House so we can build a Maine that’s safe, affordable, and full of opportunity for everyone. Next November you’ll be asked to make critical votes to strengthen our state, and it starts with your vote for me, Eric Small, in District 143,” said Small in a video posted to his campaign Facebook page.
Small announced that he was ending his congressional campaign earlier on Monday, saying that he was stepping back to a place he believed he could be more effective.
“This decision is not about stepping away–it’s about stepping where I can be most effective. As Sanford’s Police Chief, I have seen first hand the challenges our families face–from public safety to affordability–and I believe real change begins right here at home,” said Chief Small on Facebook.
He is seeking the seat currently held by Rep. Ann Fredricks (R-Sanford), who is not running for re-election.
Rep. Fredricks appeared in Small’s campaign announcement video to endorse him.
“After years of narrow Democratic control in Augusta, Maine is less affordable, energy bills are up, and small businesses are struggling to stay open. Maine families deserve better, safer streets, stronger communities, and an economy that work’s for everybody,” said Fredricks.
“I will not be seeking re-election in 2026 and there’s more to do, and that’s why I’m proud to endorse Eric Small to keep that work going,” she added.
On Wednesday, Small issued a statement explaining how he believes his experience running for Rep. Pingree’s seat will benefit his current state-level ambitions.
“My congressional campaign was not a failure. Leadership is about building relationships, and I was fortunate to meet so many inspiring people across District One. Those connections and experiences will no doubt help me build on that foundation of success as I focus on representing the people of Sanford in House District 143,” said Small.
Small likely has a much better chance at victory running for a seat currently held by a Republican than gunning for Pingree’s seat in the deep-blue CD1, which she has held since 2009 and which has been Democrat-controlled since 1997.
