SOUTH PORTLAND — Democrat Matthew Beck secured the House District 122 seat in South Portland, triumphing over his opponents in Tuesday’s special election.
Governor Janet Mills administers the oath of office to newly-elected Rep. Matthew Beck, D-South Portland, on Wednesday, March 6. Courtesy photo
Beck secured 1,206 out of the 1,678 votes cast in the special election. His opponents, Brendan Williams and Tristram Howard and Brendan Williams, garnered 239 and 175 votes, respectively.
Beck, D-South Portland, was sworn into office on Wednesday, March 6, by Gov. Janet Mills. The seat was previously held by the late Rep. Lois Galgay Reckitt who died at 78 from colon cancer Oct, 30 before completing her term.
“I am thankful to the people of South Portland for giving me the honor of representing them in Augusta,” said Beck in a March 7 news release. “I look forward to working with my new colleagues on a range of issues in the coming weeks, including fair labor practices and affordable housing.”
Beck said his campaign’s success wasn’t only about issues like gun safety, the climate crisis and affordable housing. He noted that Brendan Williams and Tristram Howard had very similar positions on those and other issues. “I think the advantage I may have had in the eyes of the voters was broader and deeper experience that would make it easier for me to get up-to-speed in the midst of a busy legislative session,” Beck said.
Beck began his duties in the Maine House immediately after being sworn in.
“In terms of goals, I’m looking forward to working with my legislative colleagues for the rest of this session to pass major gun safety reforms and improve housing affordability. After the Legislature adjourns, I hope to be re-elected to a full term and begin crafting legislative proposals for the full session in 2025. I look forward to listening to and working with South Portland community members to prioritize those initiatives,” Beck said.
His platform focused on issues such as gun safety, affordable housing, workers’ rights, the opioid crisis, reproductive choice, and environmental protection.
Beck was to serve as a member of the Legislature’s Joint Standing Committee on Judiciary. He was appointed by House Speaker Rachel Talbot Ross, D-Portland. The committee oversees the state judicial system, civil actions including torts and medical malpractice, family law, constitutional rights, reproductive rights, human rights and discrimination.
Beck lives in South Portland with his wife, where they raised three children who attended South Portland public schools. Beck recently retired after 17 years working as a labor representative for IBEW Local 1837. Previously, he worked for nearly 20 years as a television director for WGME Channel 13 in Portland. His platform focused on issues such as gun safety, affordable housing, workers’ rights, the opioid crisis, reproductive choice, and environmental protection.
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