Democrats retain control of Cumberland County District Attorney Office

Democratic incumbent Cumberland County District Attorney Jackie Sartoris defeated independent Stephanie Anderson, who previously held the role as a registered Republican.

Sartoris’ win mirrored many across the state and country Tuesday night, as Democratic victories delivered a rebuke of President Donald Trump and the GOP. 

Despite being outraised, Sartoris secured 66.92% of votes to Anderson’s 24.50%. 

“I’m humbled and grateful at the overwhelming support by Cumberland County voters of the progress we’ve made here in adopting pragmatic reform,” Sartoris said in a statement. “I promise to work for everyone to create a more just Cumberland County for all.”

Coming out of retirement to run, Anderson had argued Sartoris destroyed her legacy and endangered public safety. Meanwhile, Sartoris claimed a return to Anderson’s leadership would set the district back after she made major progressive changes. 

Sartoris was first elected in 2022. Anderson served as district attorney for 28 years, first elected in 1990. She is currently a town councilor in Cape Elizabeth. 

While Anderson was district attorney, she was known for her toughness. She established Maine’s first drug court, juvenile unit and domestic violence unit. 

Sartoris has broadened the use of restorative justice programs, worked through a backlog of untested rape kits, and publicly shared her willingness to prosecute illegal use of force by federal immigration agents. 

Some of that work has been opposed by police unions, which backed Anderson, along with several attorneys. Meanwhile, Sartoris was endorsed by several city councilors and Democratic state legislators, including Speaker of the Maine House of Representatives Ryan Fecteau, as well as former Democratic candidates for national and statewide office.