This article was originally published by The Lincoln County News on September 5, 2026, written by Lily Wasserman. Read the full story at lcnme.com.
The Lincoln County News profiled both candidates in House District 53 on the same day. Alongside its profile of Richard, the paper interviewed the incumbent, Rep. Michael Lemelin, R-Chelsea, who is seeking a fourth term.
Voters deserve to read both and decide for themselves. The two interviews lay out a clear contrast on the questions that decide a household budget in this district.
Where the candidates differ
- School funding. The incumbent told the paper that towns should trim their education budgets and encouraged voters to reject them. Richard would fix the state funding formula and fully fund it, so the cost stops landing on local property taxpayers.
- Housing. The incumbent said he does not believe Maine has a housing crisis. Richard is working on rent stability for mobile home park residents in Dresden and wants to preserve the housing stock the district already has.
- MaineCare. The incumbent said too many people are enrolled. Richard wants everyone who is eligible to keep their coverage.
Read both profiles in full at lcnme.com. The general election is Tuesday, November 3.
Paid for and authorized by Richard Goldman.