Meet The New Boss – – Same as the old boss: Fecteau returns as Maine House Speaker

Once again, State Rep. Ryan Fecteau of Biddeford will serve as Speaker of the Maine House of Representatives.

During a recent interview, Fecteau said there was “stiff competition and a crowded field” this year from other Democratic lawmakers for the speakership of the 132^nd Legislature.

Fecteau, 32, who was “termed out” of office two years ago, is returning to Augusta representing a different district in Biddeford.

Former State Rep. Erin Sheehan, also a Democrat, decided earlier this year to not seek reelection for a possible third term representing House District 132.

“When I left the Legislature two years ago, I had no plans to return,” Fecteau said. “I could have run for the senate because Senator [Susan] Deschambault and I were termed out at the same time, but I felt like my time was over. I had no political aspirations at the time. I even threw away all my old lawn signs.” (Laughs)

From a historical perspective, Fecteau’s return as Speaker — following a two-year hiatus — last happened nearly 60 years ago when Speaker David Kennedy, a Republican from Milbridge, returned to the seat in 1966 when his party regained the majority.

Fecteau said a confluence of events led him to reconsider a return to the Legislature.

“In the two years after I left, we ended up buying a home that is located in another district, and then I found out that Erin [Sheehan] had decided to not run again,” Fecteau said. “I felt like I had more to give, and there’s a lot that needs to be done, but I’m not envisioning another eight years of being in the Legislature.”

Asked how he was able to once again clinch the seat as Speaker, Fecteau said many factors played a role.

“I think folks were hungry for experience.” Fecteau said. “I think I was sort of a known commodity. And I also put in a lot of work of helping others in their campaigns. I put a lot of miles on my car, and I’m almost sure that I hit every county in Maine — even some Republicans put in a good word for me.”

Fecteau is employed as a senior officer of policy and planning for Avesta Housing, a non-profit affordable housing developer that operates throughout New England.

“I think folks were hungry for experience. I think I was sort of a known commodity.

— Ryan Fecteau

Before joining Avesta, Fecteau was tapped by Gov. Janet Mills as a senior advisor in her Office of Policy Innovation & the Future just days after he was termed out of office in 2022.

Fecteau says he doesn’t see any conflict of interest between his day job and his role as Speaker of the House.

“There’s certainly always the possibility of having legislation coming before the House that could pose a conflict of interest with any member,” Fecteau said, pointing out that Maine’s citizen legislature is made up of 151 House members and 35 state senators, most of whom have day jobs.

“My employment role is independent from anything that would involve any pending or future legislation,” Fecteau said.

Asked about his top priorities for the 132^nd Legislature, Fecteau said he hopes the House and Senate can find a path to address both affordable housing and childcare assistance.

Fecteau says the Legislature will need to “look hard” at possible revenue sources to provide a more sustainable approach in helping people get into affordable housing – especially since federal funds from the American Rescue Plan are no longer available.

“So many families across the state are struggling because the cost of childcare is skyrocketing,” Fecteau said. “You have many families who are deciding to either have mom or dad stay home because their wages cannot keep pace with the cost. On the flip side, wages for childcare workers have remained stagnant and are not competitive.

“It’s a huge problem, and there is no easy fix,” he said.

Editor’s Note: Earlier this year, I named Fecteau as the Number One most politically influential people in the Biddeford – Saco area.

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