Shenna Lee Bellows, born on March 23, 1975, is an American politician and non-profit executive director. On December 2, 2020, she was elected by the Maine Legislature to assume the role of the 50th Maine secretary of state. Currently, she holds the position of executive director at the Holocaust and Human Rights Center of Maine, having previously served in the same capacity at the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Maine.
Bellows entered the political arena as the Democratic nominee for the United States Senate in Maine during the 2014 election, ultimately facing defeat against the incumbent Republican, Susan Collins. In 2016, she secured a victory in the Maine Senate election, serving until her resignation in 2020 when she pursued candidacy in the legislative election for secretary of state.
Transitioning to the discussion about Shenna Bellows’ husband and her career, we’ll delve into the details surrounding her personal life and professional journey. Additionally, we’ll explore noteworthy developments, such as the Maine secretary of state’s ruling on Trump’s eligibility for the state’s 2024 primary ballot.
Who Is Shenna Bellows Husband?
Shenna Bellows is married to Brandon Baldwin, who maintains a low-profile lifestyle. The couple lives together, and no further details about her husband or their married life will be disclosed. Let’s focus on Shenna Bellows’ life.
Shenna Bellows, currently 48 years old, was born on March 23, 1975, in Greenfield, Massachusetts. She is the eldest daughter of Dexter Bellows, a carpenter, and Janice Colson, a nurse.
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During her upbringing in Hancock, Maine, Bellows attended Hancock Grammar School. Despite coming from a low-income household, she recalls the family’s financial challenges, highlighting that they lived without running water or electricity until she reached the fifth grade due to financial constraints.
As part of her educational journey, Bellows had the opportunity to study abroad in Campos, Brazil, at the age of fifteen as an AFS-USA exchange student. In 1993, she successfully graduated from Ellsworth High School.
Bellows Disqualifies Trump From Maine Ballot Over Capitol Assault
Shenna Bellows, Maine’s Secretary of State, declared on Thursday, December 28, 2023, that former President Trump is disqualified from holding office and appearing on the state’s primary ballot under Section 3 of the 14th Amendment due to his involvement in the January 6, 2021 assault on the U.S. Capitol. In her decision, Bellows, a Democrat, cited the U.S. Constitution’s intolerance for an attack on the government’s foundations and invoked Section 336, stating that she was obligated to act swiftly.
Despite the importance of the case, she opted to suspend the decision’s effect until the Superior Court rules on any potential appeal or the appeal time expires. Bellows, in an interview with CBS News, elaborated on her decision, emphasizing her obligation under Maine State law to issue a prompt decision. She pointed out that she could only base her decision on the evidence presented during the hearing, highlighting Trump’s awareness of efforts to delegitimize the 2020 election.
The ruling allows for an appeal to the Superior Court within five days, and Bellows emphasized that no ballots would be printed until the Superior Court provides guidance. Bellows, the first election official to unilaterally address Trump’s eligibility under Maine law, acknowledged the unprecedented nature of her decision.
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The Trump campaign expressed its intent to appeal, characterizing the ruling as an attempted theft of an election. Earlier, Trump’s lawyers had requested Bellows to disqualify herself, alleging personal bias. The Maine decision follows a similar one in Colorado, with both facing appeals. Three challenges were submitted to Bellows, two citing insurrection under the 14th Amendment and one invoking the 22nd Amendment.
More About Political Career
Shenna Bellows officially declared her candidacy for the United States Senate on October 23, 2013, but faced defeat in the ensuing November elections of 2014. In a subsequent political move, on March 4, 2016, Bellows announced her candidacy for the Maine Senate in District 14, covering her hometown of Manchester and ten other towns in the Augusta area.
Opting for public financing, she emerged victorious in the election held on November 8, 2016, assuming office on December 7, 2016. Bellows secured re-election in 2018 with 57.9% of the vote, defeating Republican Matt Stone. She continued her success in 2020, winning with 56% of the vote over Republican Mark Walker. However, she resigned from the Senate on December 2, 2020, triggering a special election slated for March 2021.
In a significant career shift, Bellows was elected as Secretary of State of Maine in December 2020, becoming the first woman to hold this position. In Maine, the secretary of state is elected biannually in December by a joint session of the Maine Legislature for a term starting in January.
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On December 28, 2023, Bellows made a decisive ruling, barring Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump from the Maine primary ballot due to his actions during the January 6 United States Capitol attack. This decision was subject to appeal.