Joseph Rafferty Jr.

Joseph Rafferty

Democratic Party

Maine State Senate District 34

Tenure

2020 - Present

Term ends

2026

Years in position

4

Predecessor

Robert Foley

Compensation

Base salary

16,245.12 for the first regular session. $11,668.32 for the second regular session.

Per diem

$70/day for lodging (or round-trip mileage up to $0.55/mile in lieu of housing, plus tolls). $50/day for meals.

Elections and appointments

Last elected

November 5, 2024

Education

Bachelor's

Springfield College, 1977

Personal

Birthplace

Woburn, Mass.

Religion

Catholic

Profession

Teacher

Contact

Official website

Official Facebook

Campaign website

Personal Facebook

Personal LinkedIn

Joseph Rafferty (Democratic Party) is a member of the Maine State Senate, representing District 34. He assumed office on December 1, 2020. His current term ends on December 1, 2026.

Rafferty (Democratic Party) ran for re-election to the Maine State Senate to represent District 34. He won in the general election on November 5, 2024.

Biography

Joseph Rafferty Jr. was born in Woburn, Massachusetts, and lives in Kennebunk, Maine. Rafferty earned a degree in physical education from Springfield College in 1977. His career experience includes working as a physical education teacher and the head football coach of Kennebunk High School. Rafferty has served with a local teachers' union.

Committee assignments

Note: This membership information was last updated in September 2023. Ballotpedia completes yearly updates of committee membership. If you would like to send us an update, email us at: editor@ballotpedia.org

2023-2024

Rafferty was assigned to the following committees:

• Education and Cultural Affairs Committee
• Innovation, Development, Economic Advancement and Business Committee (decommissioned)

2021-2022

Rafferty was assigned to the following committees:

• Education and Cultural Affairs Committee, Chair

Sponsored legislation

The following table lists bills this person sponsored as a legislator, according to BillTrack50 and sorted by action history. Bills are sorted by the date of their last action. The following list may not be comprehensive. To see all bills this legislator sponsored, click on the legislator's name in the title of the table.

Elections

2024

See also: Maine State Senate elections, 2024

General election

General election for Maine State Senate District 34

Incumbent Joseph Rafferty defeated Bradley Ducharme in the general election for Maine State Senate District 34 on November 5, 2024.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Joseph Rafferty (D)	55.8	15,064
	Submit photo	Bradley Ducharme (R)	44.2	11,941

---

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 27,005
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
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Democratic primary election

Democratic Primary for Maine State Senate District 34

The following candidates advanced in the ranked-choice voting election: Joseph Rafferty in round 1 .

		Candidate	%	Total Votes	Transfer	Round eliminated
✔		Joseph Rafferty	100	3,350	0	Advanced (1)

---

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 3,350
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.

Republican primary election

Republican Primary for Maine State Senate District 34

The following candidates advanced in the ranked-choice voting election: Bradley Ducharme in round 1 .

		Candidate	%	Total Votes	Transfer	Round eliminated
✔	Submit photo	Bradley Ducharme	100	2,418	0	Advanced (1)

---

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 2,418
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.

Endorsements

Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Rafferty in this election.

2022

See also: Maine State Senate elections, 2022

General election

General election for Maine State Senate District 34

Incumbent Joseph Rafferty defeated Bradley Ducharme in the general election for Maine State Senate District 34 on November 8, 2022.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Joseph Rafferty (D)	58.2	12,605
	Submit photo	Bradley Ducharme (R)	41.8	9,044

---

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 21,649
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Democratic primary election

Democratic Primary for Maine State Senate District 34

The following candidates advanced in the ranked-choice voting election: Joseph Rafferty in round 1 .

		Candidate	%	Total Votes	Transfer	Round eliminated
✔		Joseph Rafferty	100	2,541	0	Advanced (1)

---

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 2,541
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.

Republican primary election

Republican Primary for Maine State Senate District 34

The following candidates advanced in the ranked-choice voting election: Bradley Ducharme in round 1 .

		Candidate	%	Total Votes	Transfer	Round eliminated
✔	Submit photo	Bradley Ducharme	100	1,751	0	Advanced (1)

---

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 1,751
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.

2020

See also: Maine State Senate elections, 2020

General election

General election for Maine State Senate District 34

Joseph Rafferty defeated Michael Pardue in the general election for Maine State Senate District 34 on November 3, 2020.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Joseph Rafferty (D)	51.9	13,949
	Submit photo	Michael Pardue (R)	48.1	12,947

---

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 26,896
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Democratic primary election

Democratic Primary for Maine State Senate District 34

The following candidates advanced in the ranked-choice voting election: Joseph Rafferty in round 1 .

		Candidate	%	Total Votes	Transfer	Round eliminated
✔		Joseph Rafferty	100	4,538	0	Advanced (1)

---

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 4,538
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.

Republican primary election

Republican Primary for Maine State Senate District 34

The following candidates advanced in the ranked-choice voting election: Michael Pardue in round 1 .

		Candidate	%	Total Votes	Transfer	Round eliminated
✔	Submit photo	Michael Pardue	100	2,242	0	Advanced (1)

---

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 2,242
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.

Campaign themes

2024

Ballotpedia survey responses

See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection

Joseph Rafferty did not complete Ballotpedia's 2024 Candidate Connection survey.

2022

Joseph Rafferty did not complete Ballotpedia's 2022 Candidate Connection survey.

2020

Joseph Rafferty completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2020. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Rafferty's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

Expand all | Collapse all

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

A father of three girls, Joe Rafferty is a retired teacher from RSU21 in Kennebunk having worked in education for over 40 years. He continues serving as the school's head football coach currently entering his forty second (42) year. He remains dedicated to the children and community serving as a leader on and off the field. Throughout his career Joe worked endlessly for students as well as educators. A teacher advocate, Joe served on his union's executive board, negotiating team and eventually served as Chief Negotiator. He was an active member of the MEA. Along with his wife Norma Nardone, Joe lives in Kennebunk.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

• Healthcare is a human right. Quality affordable health care for all Mainers is my primary goal.
• I'm committed to attracting and retaining young people for our workforce and state's future.
• It is important to invest in Maine based businesses in order to encourage growth resulting in good paying jobs in Maine.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I spent my career as an advocate for teachers. In the senate I would do the same for Maine workers putting a focus on promoting fair wages, ensuring availability of earned paid time off and ending pay discrimination.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

My first role models and heroes were my parents. Outside of home it was always my teachers and coaches. As time went on my coaches were the ones I looked up to. I was fortunate to have great people in those positions throughout my school years giving me the desire to become a teacher and coach myself.


Once in education I had the job I loved. I looked forward to going to school each day and working with kids in my classroom and the players on my teams I coached. The opportunity to work with students each day was most rewarding.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

My favorite movie of all time is "To Kill a Mockingbird" based on Harper Lee's book. It is a tremendous story and the main character, Atticus Finch, is truly a model of integrity and moral hero.

I'm a husband, father, teacher and coach among a few of the titles I hold and I often look for inspirational stories that help keep be pointed in the right direction. I'm making headway reading Jon Meacham's The Soul of America: The Battle for Our Better Angels". A few of my past favorites both by David McCullough, "John Adams" and "Truman".

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

The characteristics I feel most important are integrity, compassion and commitment. In the legislature you're there to do work that benefits all citizens. That will involve working with fellow legislators and your ability at building trust. Trust will become evident based on your actions rather than your words.

One must be able to understand where people are coming from in order to understand what their concerns/issues are. That requires compassion and empathy in putting yourself in their shoes to gain a more clear picture of ones needs.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

Most importantly, I have the ability to stay committed to my work and beliefs. I am passionate about helping others and making life a bit easier for them along the way. I am confident in my abilities yet willing to seek help from others when needed.

I believe I have integrity lending others to trust me knowing that I will follow through and have their best interests at heart.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

Most importantly is communication with those you represent regularly. People need to have an opportunity to meet with you in order that you develop a rapport with them.

Admit that you do not have all the answers but are willing to do all it takes to get the job done.

Remain humble. Keep your ego in check and the people you represent in the forefront of your daily work. Always keep in mind being a role model and doing the "right thing" at all times.

What legacy would you like to leave?

When all is said and done, I'd like to have others think of me as a person who did more while talking less. I've encouraged and demonstrated to my daughters a solid work ethic that they currently display in their varied vocations. I'm proud of that and very proud of them.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

Maybe the easiest question I've had to answer since beginning my campaign. I was 8 years old in the third grade when President Kennedy was shot. I remember being in the classroom and my teacher came into the room crying hysterically. School was released and we were sent home.

When I got home home, my Mom and a few of our neighbors were in the kitchen all crying. I remember being very confused and scared.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

My first job was working at Spence farm in Woburn MA. It was a temporary job when I was going into either eighth or ninth grade. I did it because a few of my friends were as well and we could ride our bikes to and from work.

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

I'm a Jim Croce fan and while driving home tonight I heard Bad Bad Leroy Brown. I often sing along to "oldies" while I drive. My favorite music is rock from the 60's and 70's.

Do you believe that it’s beneficial for state legislators to have previous experience in government or politics?

I believe the most important experience a legislator brings is that of ones experiences in every day life. Your work environment, family, community involvement and daily interactions with people in general should go a long way in defining your political goals . In order to best represent your community, the combined experiences in these settings offer tremendous insight into the concerns and needs of your neighbors. If you've been listening and paying attention, the needs of your community should be obvious.

Once elected, the support staff and training offered to elected officials along with your personal commitment to the job will make for success.

What do you perceive to be your state’s greatest challenges over the next decade?

Access to affordable health care for all Mainers remains a challenge. I support the belief that health care is a human right and have committed myself to working to that goal. Throughout my professional career I fought to maintain insurance plans for individual teachers and their families.

Providing funding for rural hospitals and first responders will help keep all communities healthy, safe and thriving.

Maine workers must be rewarded for the tremendous work they do. Competitive salaries, equal pay for equal work and earned paid time off are necessary provisions in the state's ability to attract and retain our youth for the workforce, economy and overall future of our state.

Investing in Maine based businesses, promoting "Made in Maine" products will go a long way in generating those jobs and salaries allowing young families a bright future in Maine.

Do you believe it’s beneficial to build relationships with other legislators? Please explain your answer.

Absolutely, it is imperative legislators work together in order that we work for all Mainers. We were elected to carry the concerns and issues of our constituents to the legislature. The only way we can solve problems is to work together. I've spent my career modeling the importance of working together for common goals. Strong relationships build trust. Trust is needed in order that we make progress in setting our state on a path reflecting our motto "Maine, The Way Life Should be".

If you are not a current legislator, are there certain committees that you would want to be a part of?

I'm open to work on any committee but would certainly lean towards Education and Cultural Affairs, as well as the Committee on Labor and Housing.

Is there a particular legislator, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?

I've known Chris Babbidge for years. We worked together as teachers in Kennebunk and our daughters knew one another growing up so we've friends throughout. Chris has been a terrific "Representative" in District 8 and I know he keeps all Mainers in mind when making decisions.

Troy Jackson is a recent acquaintance instrumental in recruiting me to run. I'm impressed with the work he does and his approach to serving as the President of the Senate.

Are you interested in running for a different political office (for example, the U.S. Congress or governor) in the future?

Not at this time. My focus is the Senate seat in District 34.

Both sitting legislators and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?

Tuesday evening while making calls to introduce myself to my constituents I spoke with a 78 year old grandparent struggling to get services for an adult grandchild suffering with a rare disease on top of autism. He is 23, non verbal with "limited mental development". Unable to work, he is currently hospitalized 200 miles from home.

He needs care 24/7. She feels there is "no place" for him to live and has no options. She believes all funding has been cut and struggles as to what will become of him.

Prior to that call, having been a teacher I was exposed to numerous situations of families without basic needs. Most often it was food. It is inconceivable to me that people in our communities go without food and it was very common they had no health insurance or dental care.

My top priority is affordable health care for all Mainers.

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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Note: The finance data shown here comes from the disclosures required of candidates and parties. Depending on the election or state, this may represent only a portion of all the funds spent on their behalf. Satellite spending groups may or may not have expended funds related to the candidate or politician on whose page you are reading this disclaimer. Campaign finance data from elections may be incomplete. For elections to federal offices, complete data can be found at the FEC website. Click here for more on federal campaign finance law and here for more on state campaign finance law.

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Joseph Rafferty campaign contribution history

Year	Office	Status	Contributions	Expenditures
2024*	Maine State Senate District 34	Won general	$63,019	$62,771
2022	Maine State Senate District 34	Won general	$56,186	$56,186
2020	Maine State Senate District 34	Won general	$57,757	N/A**
Grand total			$176,963	$118,957
Sources: OpenSecrets,  Federal Elections Commission ***This product uses the openFEC API but is not endorsed or certified by the Federal Election Commission (FEC).
* Data from this year may not be complete
** Data on expenditures is not available for this election cycle
Note: Totals above reflect only available data.

Scorecards

See also: State legislative scorecards and State legislative scorecards in Maine

A scorecard evaluates a legislator’s voting record. Its purpose is to inform voters about the legislator’s political positions. Because scorecards have varying purposes and methodologies, each report should be considered on its own merits. For example, an advocacy group’s scorecard may assess a legislator’s voting record on one issue while a state newspaper’s scorecard may evaluate the voting record in its entirety.

Ballotpedia is in the process of developing an encyclopedic list of published scorecards. Some states have a limited number of available scorecards or scorecards produced only by select groups. It is Ballotpedia’s goal to incorporate all available scorecards regardless of ideology or number.

Click here for an overview of legislative scorecards in all 50 states.  To contribute to the list of Maine scorecards, email suggestions to editor@ballotpedia.org.

2024

To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2024, click [show].

In 2024, the Maine State Legislature was in session from January 3 to April 17. Maine AFL-CIO Legislators are scored on their votes on bills related to labor issues. Maine Conservation Voters Legislators are scored on their votes on bills related to environmental issues. Maine People's Alliance Legislators are scored by MPA on "where they stand on community, investing in the future, fairness, equality, and justice for all Maine people." Maine Women's Lobby Legislators are scored on their votes on bills related to gender equity. National Federation of Independent Business Legislators are scored on their votes on bills related to business issues. Planned Parenthood Maine Action Fund Legislators are scored on their votes related to reproductive health issues. Wabanaki Alliance Legislators are scored on their votes on bills that would put the tribes in Maine on equal footing with the other federally recognized tribes across the country.

2023

To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2023, click [show].

In 2023, the Maine State Legislature was in session from December 7 to March 30. Maine AFL-CIO Legislators are scored on their votes on bills related to labor issues. Maine Conservation Voters Legislators are scored on their votes on bills related to environmental issues. Maine People's Alliance Legislators are scored by MPA on "where they stand on community, investing in the future, fairness, equality, and justice for all Maine people." Maine Women's Lobby Legislators are scored on their votes on bills related to gender equity. Planned Parenthood Maine Action Fund Legislators are scored on their votes related to reproductive health issues.

2022

To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2022, click [show].

In 2022, the Maine State Legislature was in session from January 5 to May 9. Maine AFL-CIO Legislators are scored on their votes on bills related to labor issues. Maine Conservation Voters Legislators are scored on their votes on bills related to environmental issues. Maine People's Alliance Legislators are scored by MPA on "where they stand on community, investing in the future, fairness, equality, and justice for all Maine people." Maine Policy Institute Legislators are scored on their votes on 14 bills supported or opposed by the organization. Maine Women's Lobby Legislators are scored on their votes on bills related to gender equity. Planned Parenthood Maine Action Fund: Senate and House Legislators are scored on their votes related to reproductive health issues. National Federation of Independent Business Legislators are scored on their votes on bills related to business issues. Wabanaki Alliance: Senate and House Legislators are scored on their votes on bills that would put the tribes in Maine on equal footing with the other federally recognized tribes across the country.

2021

To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2021, click [show].

In 2021, the Maine State Legislature was in session from December 2 to March 30. Maine AFL-CIO Legislators are scored on their votes on bills related to labor issues. Maine Citizens for Clean Elections Legislators are scored on their votes on bills related to election issues. Maine Conservation Voters Legislators are scored on their votes on bills related to environmental issues. Maine People's Alliance Legislators are scored by MPA on "where they stand on community, investing in the future, fairness, equality, and justice for all Maine people." Planned Parenthood Maine Action Fund: Senate and House Legislators are scored on their votes related to reproductive health issues. The American Conservative Union Legislators are scored on their votes on conservative issues.

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Maine State Senate District 34

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Footnotes

Political offices
Preceded by Robert Foley (R)	Maine State Senate District 34 2020-Present	Succeeded by -

[show]

Current members of the Maine State Senate

Leadership

Senate President:Matthea Daughtry

Majority Leader:Teresa Pierce

Senators

District 1

Susan Bernard (R)

District 2

Harold Stewart (R)

District 3

Bradlee Farrin (R)

District 4

Stacey Guerin (R)

District 5

Russell Black (R)

District 6

Marianne Moore (R)

District 7

Nicole Grohoski (D)

District 8

Mike Tipping (D)

District 9

Joe Baldacci (D)

District 10

David Haggan (R)

District 11

Glenn Curry (D)

District 12

Anne Beebe-Center (D)

District 13

Cameron Reny (D)

District 14

Craig Hickman (D)

District 15

Richard Bradstreet (R)

District 16

Scott Cyrway (R)

District 17

Jeffrey Timberlake (R)

District 18

Richard Bennett (R)

District 19

Joseph Martin (R)

District 20

Bruce Bickford (R)

District 21

Margaret Rotundo (D)

District 22

James Libby (R)

District 23

Matthea Daughtry (D)

District 24

Denise Tepler (D)

District 25

Teresa Pierce (D)

District 26

Timothy Nangle (D)

District 27

Jill Duson (D)

District 28

Rachel Talbot Ross (D)

District 29

Anne Carney (D)

District 30

Stacy Brenner (D)

District 31

Donna Bailey (D)

District 32

Henry Ingwersen (D)

District 33

Matthew Harrington (R)

District 34

Joseph Rafferty (D)

District 35

Mark Lawrence (D)

Democratic Party (20)

Republican Party (15)