Background
Born in Des Moines, Iowa, Martin grew up in Missouri.
- Photos
- Works
- Photos
- Works
James Martin
Edit ProfileCareer
A Democrat, he served a single term in the Maine House of Representatives, representing the 18th district which encompasses his hometown of Orono, as well as Veazie and the northeast side of Bangor. On leaving high school in 1984, he moved to Maine and, in 1992, he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Work from the University of Maine in Orono. He became a social worker, practicing in Penobscot County.
More recently, Martin has worked in the Information Technology industry, opening a small business in Orono.
Martin has long been active in Maine politics. He served as chair of the Penobscot County Democratic Committee and was a delegate to the 2004 Democratic National Convention.
He first ran for public office in 2008, seeking to succeed Republican Michael Dunn in the 18th House district.
Dunn, a Democrat who had only narrowly been re-elected in 2006 (with 52% of the vote), had decided against running for re-election.
Martin did not attract any primary opponents but faced two opponents, a Republican and an Independent, in the general election. He took office in December 2008. He ran for re-election in 2010 but lost to Republican James West. Parker by 207 votes (60%).
Martin is openly gay.
He lives with his partner Scott.
