Michael Thibodeau
Michael D. Thibodeau (born July 16, 1966) is an American politician and businessman from Maine. He was a Republican State Senator from Maine's 23rd District, representing all of Waldo County. He graduated from Hampden Academy in 1984.[1] He was first elected to the Maine State Senate in 2010 after serving from 2006 to 2010 as state representative. He also served on the board of selectmen of Winterport.[1]
Michael Thibodeau | |
|---|---|
| President of the Maine Senate | |
| In office December 3, 2014 – December 5, 2018 | |
| Preceded by | Justin Alfond |
| Succeeded by | Troy Jackson |
| Member of the Maine Senate from the 11th district | |
| In office December 3, 2014 – December 5, 2018 | |
| Preceded by | Richard Woodbury |
| Succeeded by | Erin Herbig |
| Member of the Maine Senate from the 23rd district | |
| In office December 1, 2010 – December 3, 2014 | |
| Preceded by | Carol Weston |
| Succeeded by | Linda Baker |
| Member of the Maine House of Representatives from the 42nd district | |
| In office December 1, 2006 – December 1, 2010 | |
| Preceded by | Jeffrey H. Kaelin |
| Succeeded by | Peter B. Rioux |
| Personal details | |
| Born | July 16, 1966 Winterport, Maine, U.S. |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse | Stacy Thibodeau |
Career
In 2006, Thibodeau defeated Winterport Charter Commissioner Donna Gilbert after Rep. Jeffrey Kaelin withdrew. He ran as a Clean Elections candidate.[2]
In 2008, Thibodeau, running as an incumbent, was narrowly re-elected over Seth Yentes after spending nearly $10,000 of his own money and over $13,000 overall on his re-election campaign.[2]
An outspoken critic of same-sex marriage in Maine, Thibodeau voted against a 2009 bill to legalize it, saying "Let’s be honest. This isn’t about civil rights. It’s about a social agenda that tears at the very fabric of our society".[3]
In 2010, Thibodeau sought District 23 in the Maine Senate, where he sought to replace fellow Republican Carol Weston. Running as a clean elections candidate, defeated fellow state representative and former House Majority Leader John Piotti with 54% of the vote in the two-way race.[2][4]
In 2012, he successfully sought re-election. Following the election, which featured Republicans losing control of both the state senate and house of representatives, Thibodeau was named Republican minority leader of the Maine Senate.[5]
Thibodeau announced on December 3, 2013, that he was considering entering the 2014 Second District congressional race.[6]
Upon his party obtaining the majority in the November 4, 2014 legislative elections, Thibodeau was chosen to be Senate President when the new legislative session begins on December 3, 2014.[7]
Thibodeau was reelected Senate President after his party held their majority, albeit a two-seat loss to the Democrats.[8]
On October 17, 2017, Thibodeau announced his run for the 2018 Maine gubernatorial election.[9]
On March 26, 2018, it was announced that Thibodeau had withdrawn from the 2018 Maine Gubernatorial Election.[10]
References
- "Vote 2006". Bangor Daily News. October 26, 2006. p. B6. Retrieved 21 October 2011.
- "Follow the Money". Retrieved 21 October 2011.
- Harrison, Judy (May 5, 2009). "Maine House passes gay marriage bill". Bangor Daily News. Retrieved 21 October 2011.
- Curtis, Abigail (November 4, 2010). "Waldo County voters sought change". Bangor Daily News. Retrieved 21 October 2011.
- "Maine Senators-Elect Pick Floor Leaders". Maine Public Broadcasting Network. Retrieved 10 November 2012.
- Cousins, Christopher (2013-12-03). "Thibodeau considering run for 2nd Congressional District seat". Bangordailynews.com. Retrieved 2013-12-03.
- Moretto, Mario (2014-11-07). "Republican lawmakers pick Thibodeau for Senate president, restore Fredette as House leader". Bangordailynews.com. Retrieved 2014-11-07.
- "Maine Democrats, GOP pick new Senate leaders". Argus-Press. November 15, 2016. Retrieved December 10, 2016.
- "Maine Senate President Mike Thibodeau jumps into 2018 race for governor". Bangordailynews.com. October 17, 2017. Retrieved October 17, 2017.
- Shepherd, Michael. "Maine Senate President Mike Thibodeau quits GOP race to succeed LePage". Bangor Daily News. Archived from the original on 15 November 2018. Retrieved 15 November 2018.