Priest announces candidacy for House District 106

Jonathan Priest of Windham is a Democratic 
candidate for the Maine House District 106 seat
representing Windham. The seat is currently held
by Mark Bryant who is term limited.
SUBMITTED PHOTO

Democrat Jonathan Priest of Windham has announced that he is running for the Maine House of Representatives in District 106 for the seat formerly held by Mark Bryant, which includes part of Windham.

Priest says he’s running for the seat to bring his positivity, energy, and open-mindedness to Augusta, and that his diverse background and work history will serve him well, allowing him to look at both sides of an issue.

“I’ve done a lot and seen a lot, and I’m eager to put my shoulder to the wheel and push,” says Priest.  “I care a great deal about my town and my State, and the people who live and work here.  I want this community to thrive, and we can make some of the amazing things I’ve seen my fellow residents accomplish here in town happen on a grander scale.  The key is to find common ground and work from there.”

Priest grew up on a 40-head dairy farm in the small town of Madison, and was milking cows, haying and running equipment at a young age. 

“I wouldn’t trade that experience for anything,” he says, “It was hard work, but it taught me responsibility and gave me a real work ethic.”  Growing up in a rural setting is part of what brought him to Windham after college.  “It reminds me of my childhood,” he says.  “Open space is something that should be respected and treasured.  My father said something about that which will stick in my head forever; It’s nice to be able to see the weather coming.”  

Priest says that the farm life also taught him the importance of a clean environment, which would be part of his focus in Augusta.  “PFAS chemicals (the “forever chemicals” that have been in the news lately) are a big issue for me.  This waste sludge that came from paper mills across the State was touted as free fertilizer for farmers, and only now are these chemicals receiving the notoriety that they deserve.”

Priest worked two jobs for years and understands the efforts of people trying to make ends meet. 

“I think we need to keep more of our young folks from moving away and attract people from out of state to work at stable, well-paying jobs,” he said.  “We need infrastructure improvement; not just roads and bridges, but high-speed internet across the state.”

Priest attended the University of Maine at Farmington and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Education with an English concentration.  He worked for State Farm for 12 years and then moved to Allstate.  He was there for almost four years before he was recruited by MetLife Auto and Home to start his own agency in Windham.  The MetLife brand was recently acquired by Farmers, and Priest made the transition as well.

“I love the direction my career took,” says Priest.  “I was able to come in on the ground floor of the industry, and I was constantly learning something new.”  He also says that the degree he earned ended up serving him well.  “I really see myself as an educator first,” he says.  “Yes, I’m a salesperson, but I don’t want to sell anyone a policy if they don’t understand what they’re buying.”

Priest has been a Board Member and active volunteer with the Sebago Lakes Chamber of Commerce since 2019.

He is married to his wife of almost 23 years, Kary, and has two sons, Griffin and Curtis. <