Andrew Dent
Elections and appointments
Personal
Contact
Andrew Dent (Democratic Party) ran for election to the Maine House of Representatives to represent District 64. He lost in the Democratic primary on June 11, 2024.
Dent completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. Click here to read the survey answers.
Biography
Andrew Dent was born in Tifton, Georgia. He attended Truett McConnell University and earned a bachelor's degree from Southern New Hampshire University in 2023. His career experience includes working as a customer service representative. He previously worked as a teller, field organizer, delivery driver, and intern.[1]
Elections
2024
See also: Maine House of Representatives elections, 2024
General election
Democratic primary election

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There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source
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Total votes: 404
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= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. |
Republican primary election
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Candidate |
% |
Total Votes |
Transfer |
Round eliminated |
✔ |
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Ruth Malcolm |
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175 |
0 |
Advanced (1) |

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There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source
|
Total votes: 175
|
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. |
Endorsements
Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Dent in this election.
2024
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Andrew Dent completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Dent's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
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I'm originally from southwest Georgia, but I consider Maine to be my true home. After graduating high school, I attended Truett-McConnell University, where I met my wife, Paige. In the first year of our marriage, I worked as a delivery driver to make ends meet. To get away from the heat, Paige and I decided to come here to Maine, where I have worked as a field organizer for the state's Democratic Party and in various positions for credit unions in Aroostook and Kennebec County. Paige and I currently live in Waterville with our two cats, Felix and Edgar, and our dog, Zeke.
- Maine workers deserve better. As prices continue to rise, working and middle class Mainers are struggling more and more just to get by. While it is true that supply shocks due to COVID and the Russian invasion of Ukraine have played a significant role in this crisis, it is largely due to a system that allows corporations and their shareholders to bleed the American consumer dry to maximize their profits with essentially no accountability. It's time to give Maine workers and consumers the leverage they deserve to fight back against corporate greed and share in the prosperity of our great state.
- Though we have made progress throughout our history, some social inequities still exist and must be addressed. Even in the state of Maine, women, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and BIPOC continue to disproportionately experience discrimination and hardship. Because of this, we are failing to live up to that great truth that inspired the founding of our country: all people are created equal. We must stay true to that American promise and intervene on behalf of the afflicted in order to create a more perfect state.
- We can do better. This statement is more than just an acknowledgement that we can improve as a state—it is an affirmation of hope. In this time of extreme political polarization, it may seem like the divide will never be mended, but I believe there is promise in our shared objective of a more prosperous, safe community for ourselves and those who come after us. In some form or another, disagreement and division will always remain, but it is up to us to determine how much we allow these things to define who we are and whether we progress to a better tomorrow. I believe we can unite to create a better Maine and to mend the wounds of our nation.
The economy, housing, and poverty. I believe that at the root of many other issues are economic disparities that have created a system rigged for the wealthy and against working and middle class people. Furthermore, I believe that no one should ever have to go without basic necessities in the wealthiest nation in the world, particularly something as essential as housing. Therefore, my priority is to ensure that everyone has a fair shot at social mobility and that everyone has access to the things we need to survive.
Honestly, I most look up to great American political reformers like Abraham Lincoln and Teddy Roosevelt. That's probably why I'm so drawn to public service. I think I would most like to emulate FDR, as his policies radically changed America for the better, and he possessed the cunning and charisma to actually enact those policies.
I think the speeches of Franklin D. Roosevelt or Robert F. Kennedy would probably be the most accurate representations of my views. I can't say there are many Americans whom I more admire than those two men.
Integrity, compassion, and intelligence.
Compassion, intelligence, charisma, eloquence, and honesty.
I believe the most crucial responsibility of a legislator is to be a tireless advocate for the people they represent. Part of that advocacy is being willing to be held accountable for mistakes and setbacks. As long as a legislator is truly working for the good of their community and accepts responsibility for their actions, I believe they are satisfying the core responsibilities of the office.
I would hope to have lifted as many people as I could out of poverty, helped as many workers as I could prosper and thrive, and delivered social justice to as many marginalized people I could.
I think it would have to be the death of Osama bin Laden. I would have been 10 at the time.
I actually worked as an intern for a Republican congressman when I was 17 and still in Georgia. It was a temporary job I took over the summer, and I only spent 10 weeks there. Needless to say, my views have changed substantially since then.
The Myth of Sisyphus by Albert Camus. In my junior year in college, I really wrestled with my place in the universe, and, when I read The Myth of Sisyphus, I felt like I had finally determined the meaning of my life. Great stuff for a philosophy nerd like myself.
I would probably go with Steve Rogers/Captain America. As a teenager, I was extremely underweight and had to undergo treatment to reach a healthy weight. Because of this, I relate to the weakness he felt before he took the serum, and I share his values of service, decency, and justice.
"Turn the Lights Back On" by Billy Joel
Growing up in the conservative Deep South, it has been extremely difficult to navigate maintaining relationships with my conservative Republican family and friends as a progressive Democrat. However much we might disagree, however, I have managed to hold onto these relationships and show to those people the kind of respect I would want to be shown.
Pretty basically, I believe that the governor and legislature should tirelessly work together, through negotiation and compromise, to bring about the most good for the people they serve. Furthermore, I think the legislature and governor should remain vigilant to check and balance each other to ensure that no branch gains a disproportionate amount of power.
I think housing is and will continue to be, perhaps, our greatest challenge. I believe that, by expanding the supply of multi-family, permanent homes and reducing costs for property owners, we can address it, but it won't be easy. I think, as well, as our population continues to age, we will have to invest heavily in maintaining our workforce and attracting people to our state.
I do. I don't think a lack of government experience should be a barrier to an office like state representative, but, for higher office, I would definitely prefer to see some previous government experience.
Absolutely. In the end, legislators are people, too, and bringing about change on behalf of the constituents requires a network of like-minded people and, sometimes, people who disagree in order to make it happen. That's one of the beautiful aspects of our democracy.
Ted Kennedy comes to mind. There's a reason he was known as "the lion of the Senate". The incredible thing about Teddy was that, while he was a remarkably able legislator, he was a committed liberal who consistently advanced progressive causes throughout his career.
I am interested in advancing in my political career in the future, but where exactly it will lead me has yet to be seen. Stay tuned.
I spoke for a couple of hours lately with a man in Waterville while I was canvassing. He is a member of the LGBTQ+ community who is currently battling COPD. Despite a discouraging prognosis and a life of trauma and struggle, this man continues to be an active participant in local political life and an inspiration to his community. I deeply appreciate his support and consider it an honor to now know him.
Why didn't Han Solo like his steak? Because it was Chewie.
To be honest, I am skeptical of emergency powers, as it increases the likelihood of abuse. If there were a situation that I felt warranted such powers, I would want the legislature to scrutinize their usage as much as possible and only grant what is absolutely necessary.
A bill that would gradually raise the state minimum wage to a living wage over the next few years.
I would particularly love to serve on the Labor and Housing committee, the Taxation committee, and/or the Appropriations committee.
I believe wholeheartedly in both financial transparency and government accountability. I think there's a pretty pervasive stereotype in America that suggests that progressives like myself are reckless tax-and-spend liberals, but, in truth, I want to make sure our tax dollars are spent efficiently just as much as anyone else, and I have no plans on pushing the state budget into a deficit. Furthermore, I believe accountability is the foundation of any functioning democracy and that no person, whether they are a Republican or a Democrat, is above the law.
Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.
Campaign finance summary
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See also
External links
- ↑ Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on March 20, 2024
Representatives
Democratic Party (76)
Republican Party (73)
Independent (1)
Unenrolled (1)