Richard "Rick" A. Bennett is a Maine State Senator representing District 18 as an Independent . Born on May 24, 1963, in Portland, Maine, he resides in Oxford, Maine, with his wife Karen and two children, Abby and Nathaniel. A Maine native with family roots in Oxford County spanning over two centuries, Bennett has served extensively in state politics, including as President of the Maine State Senate during a unique bipartisan power-sharing agreement. He is known as a reformer advocating for fiscal discipline, balanced budgets, term limits, governmental accountability, election integrity, and Maine's natural heritage. District 18 covers towns in Oxford County , Androscoggin County , and Cumberland County . He currently serves on the Housing and Economic Development and Senate Rules committees.

Education and Political Experience

• Education: Bachelor of Arts in Government, Harvard University ; Master of Business Administration in Finance, University of Southern Maine .
• Political Experience:
  • Maine State Senate, District 18 ; District 19 ; Districts unspecified .
  • President, Maine State Senate ; President Pro Tem ; Assistant Republican Leader .
  • Maine House of Representatives .
  • Candidate, U.S. Senate ; Vice Chair/Secretary/Executive Director, Maine Republican Party ; Delegate, Republican National Conventions .
  • Previously Republican; now Independent.
• Notable Achievements: Earned 16 years of legislative service; chaired Western Maine Veterans Home Committee ; worker on Ronald Reagan for President campaign .