FREEPORT — Former Town Councilor Sara Gideon earned two years in the state House of Representatives Tuesday by defeating Jody James in the District 106 election.

In a race that pitted a local politician and former marketer against a small-town banker, Democrat Gideon almost double James’ votes, 3,260 to 1,668.

District 106 represents Freeport and part of Pownal.

“It is my honor to earn this privilege to represent the people of Freeport and Pownal,” Gideon said. “I know that I earned broad support and I take that as an honor and great responsibility.”

She said what made her campaign successful was the focus on being out in the community and talking with voters, along with her work as a town councilor.

“Really, it was an on the ground the campaign of talking to individuals,” she said. “I really think that at the end of the day that is what makes a difference.”

Gideon said the first thing she wants to do in Augusta is get a broader perspective on issues in the state.

“I want to spend time sitting down with as many people as possible and learn the important issues before us,” she said, noting a focus on the energy, education and conservation. “I want to be learning as much as I can from the experts of all these field so I can go in and be as effective as possible for the people of Maine.”

Incumbent Rep. David Webster, D-Freeport, was barred from running for re-election because of term limits.

Republican James was not immediately available for comment Wednesday morning.

Gideon resigned from her seat on the Town Council in early October after moving out of the district she represented.

Will Graff can be reached at 781-3661 ext. 123 or wgraff@theforecaster.net. Follow him on Twitter: @W_C_Graff.

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