Seven Siegel will become Maine’s first openly nonbinary state lawmaker after winning the House District 109 seat in Gorham on Election Day. The Democrat received 3,229 votes, overcoming Republican Diana Kushnar’s 2,101 votes.
Siegel, a 37-year-old computer science teacher at Kennebunk High School serving their second term on the Gorham Town Council, moved to Maine six years ago. They ran for Maine House on reining in costs of living, modernizing technology policy and ending tax relief for corporations.
“I don’t make a big deal of (being nonbinary), because the policies and the work are more important,” Siegel said. “But I also think an important part is representation and having people see that nonbinary people exist, and they’re good policymakers, too.”
Siegel said the adult they would have needed as a kid would not be afraid to make their identity known and work hard. Now, they want to be that adult.
“I’m excited to work for the people of Maine,” they said, adding that they have found their long-term home in Gorham after living in multiple states. They and their wife, Becky Wartell, have a 3-year-old daughter.
Siegel will stay on the Gorham Town Council until their term ends in November 2028 because they want to help update the town’s comprehensive plan next year.
The Democrat was endorsed by Equality Maine, an organization that advocates for pro-LGBTQ+ legislation and policy reform in Maine.
“Seven will join the Maine Legislature at a time when LGBTQ+ rights are under attack here in Maine and nationwide — and their victory is a milestone moment for our community,” said Heide Lester, interim executive director at Equality Maine. “Elected officials like Seven are not only critical in the ongoing fight to protect the rights of all Mainers; they also inspire others to run and win.”
While Siegel will be the first openly nonbinary member of the Maine Legislature, Ambureen Rana is a Democrat representing House District 21 in Bangor who identifies as genderqueer. Siegel said they already spoke with Rana after being elected Tuesday.
WABI reported in 2023 that about 32 LGBTQ+ people have served in the Maine Legislature in the past 38 years.
This story was originally published by the Maine Trust for Local News. Madeleine Kaptein can be reached at mkaptein@metln.org.