Meet Joe
Whether in his law office, the State Senate, or his family’s restaurant, Momma Baldacci’s, Joe has dedicated his entire life to serving his community and lending a hand to his neighbors. He’s ready to bring that same attitude to Congress to make sure Mainers—from Bangor to Lewiston to the County—have their voices heard.
Born and raised in Bangor, Maine, Joe grew up in his family’s restaurant, Momma Baldacci’s, alongside his seven siblings. Joe spent many days washing dishes, making their signature sauce, and talking with customers about their lives. Throughout his childhood, Joe’s parents taught him and his siblings one simple rule: everybody pitches in, and you look out for each other. Joe has carried that mindset with him every day since.
After graduating from Bangor public schools, Joe attended and graduated from the University of Maine and later the University of Maine School of Law. Joe moved back to Bangor to start his own general law practice in the early 1990s, having represented folks in a variety of cases while supporting them through some of the hardest periods of their lives. Joe’s extensive firsthand experience with the challenges facing Maine families, small businesses, and workers gives him a unique perspective on what our communities are facing, and how government can help.
Joe’s family has always been politically active, finding ways to support and give back to their community through service. Joe was elected to the Bangor City Council 4 times, serving 2 terms as Mayor. Additionally, Joe was elected to the State Senate in 2020, and was reelected by wide margins in 2022 and 2024 to represent the towns of Bangor and Hermon.
On the City Council, Joe’s focus was on economic development as well as protecting essential services such as school funding, public health, law enforcement, and infrastructure from 8 years of devastating cuts by the LePage Administration. Joe also helped to beat back several efforts by the LePage Administration to put a private prison in a residential neighborhood without any local input or involvement.
In the State Senate, Joe has:
- Focused on seniors and health care, restoring Medicare subsidies and earning a Legislator of the Year award by the Maine Council on Aging.
- Fought for teachers, students, and public schools, earning a 100% rating from the Maine Education Association 4 years in a row.
- Worked to protect women’s health care and reproductive health, securing a $6 million increase for Maine’s family planning services while earning a 100% rating from Planned Parenthood 5 years in a row.
- Led the charge on legislation to lower property taxes and keep Mainers in their homes.
Joe currently serves on the Health Coverage, Insurance, and Financial Services Committee while also being Chairman of both the State and Local Government Committee and the Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Committee. Throughout his time in public service, Joe has focused on strengthening local economies, standing up for working families, and making sure government delivers real results for the people it serves—not the ultra-wealthy or special interests.
Joe currently resides in Bangor with his wife of more than 30 years, Beth, and is the proud father of two adult daughters, Caroline and Olivia.
