Shenna Bellows

Shenna Bellows
Name	Shenna Bellows
Office	Maine Secretary of State
Term start	December 7, 2020
Predecessor	Matthew Dunlap
Party	Democratic
Birth date	11 April 1975
Birth place	Hancock, Maine, U.S.
Alma mater	Middlesex School, Middlebury College
Spouse	Brandon Baldwin

Shenna Bellows is an American politician and civil liberties advocate serving as the Secretary of State of Maine. A member of the Democratic Party, she was elected by the Maine Legislature in 2020, succeeding longtime incumbent Matthew Dunlap. Bellows previously served as a state senator and was the executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Maine, where she championed numerous progressive causes.

Early life and education

Shenna Bellows was born on April 11, 1975, in Hancock, Maine, and grew up in a rural setting. She attended the Middlesex School, a private boarding school in Massachusetts, before pursuing higher education. Bellows earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in International studies from Middlebury College in Vermont, an institution known for its programs in Languages and Environmental studies. Her academic background laid a foundation for her later work in advocacy and public policy, focusing on issues of justice and equity.

Early career

Following her graduation, Bellows began her career with a focus on social justice and community organizing. She worked for the AmeriCorps program City Year, serving in Boston and Columbus, Ohio, which immersed her in grassroots educational and anti-poverty initiatives. Bellows then spent a decade as the executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Maine, where she led efforts on campaign finance reform, LGBTQ+ rights, and criminal justice reform. During this period, she also served on the board of the Maine Women's Lobby and was involved with the League of Women Voters of Maine.

Maine Secretary of State

Elected by the Maine Legislature on December 7, 2020, Bellows became the first woman to serve as Maine Secretary of State since the 1950s. Her responsibilities oversee the Bureau of Motor Vehicles, the Maine State Archives, and the Office of Professional and Occupational Regulation. A major focus of her tenure has been modernizing election administration, including implementing the Help America Vote Act and expanding Early voting access. She has also been a vocal defender of Electoral integrity against misinformation, particularly following the 2020 United States presidential election.

Political positions and advocacy

Bellows is known for her progressive stances on a wide array of issues. She has been a strong advocate for voting rights, supporting policies like Automatic voter registration and opposing strict voter ID laws. Her background with the American Civil Liberties Union informs her positions on digital privacy, free speech, and immigrant rights. Bellows has also been active in environmental advocacy, supporting the Green New Deal and clean energy initiatives in partnership with groups like the Natural Resources Council of Maine.

Electoral history

Bellows first sought elected office in 2014, challenging incumbent Republican Susan Collins for a seat in the United States Senate. Though she lost the general election, the campaign elevated her profile within the Democratic Party in Maine. She later won election to the Maine Senate in 2016, representing parts of Kennebec County. In the Maine Legislature, she served on the Health and Human Services Committee and the Taxation Committee before her election as Secretary of State by her legislative colleagues.

Personal life

Bellows resides in Manchester, Maine, with her husband, Brandon Baldwin, a digital forensics expert. An avid outdoorswoman, she enjoys hiking and cross-country skiing in Maine's state parks, including Baxter State Park and Acadia National Park. She is also a published author, having written a young adult novel. Bellows remains active in her community, participating in local events and serving on the advisory board for the Maine Humanities Council.

Category:1975 births Category:Living people Category:Secretaries of State of Maine Category:Democratic Party state secretaries of state of the United States Category:Middlebury College alumni Category:People from Hancock, Maine