LEWISTON – Rep. Mike Lajoie has announced his bid for reelection to House District 96, which covers the eastern half of Lewiston.

Lajoie said in a written statement that “it has been my honor to serve Lewiston in so many ways over the years – as your fire chief, president of the City Council, board president of the Franco Center, and especially as your state representative.”

State Rep. Mike Lajoie

A lifelong resident of Lewiston, he said he believes “in the legislative process and feels a good representative can stand up for the citizens of Lewiston in Augusta. My past experience in the State Legislature and my ability to listen to voters in the district will help me be a strong voice for Lewiston.”

Lajoie retired from the Lewiston Fire Department in 2006 after 31 years, the last 11 years as chief. He served in the Legislature from 2008 to 2016 and two terms on the Lewiston City Council from 2018 to 2021, the second term as council president. He was again elected to the Maine House in 2022.

Lajoie serves on the legislative Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee, and also serves on the Maine Fire Protection Services Commission and the Maine Fire Service Institute Advisory Board on a volunteer basis, representing the fire service.

Lajoi is president of the board of directors at the Franco Center and a community volunteer leader with the American Red Cross of Maine. He served six years in the Army Reserves in the 1125th Army Hospital Unit, and said he is proud of the community organizations that he has been part of, including the Knights of Columbus Holy Family Council 10019, the Franco-American War Veterans Post 31, and the 24 years he served on the board of directors of the Lewiston Municipal Federal Credit Union.

Lajoie and his wife, Rita, have five grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. He said they “cannot overlook the fact that our children are the future of Maine, and fostering a strong economy and education will help keep our kids (our most valuable resource) in Maine.”