State Sen. Ethan Strimling, one of several Democrats seeking to replace Rep. Tom Allen (D), was endorsed by the local Bath Iron Works union, part of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers.

“There are a lot of good candidates running for office, but Ethan stands out as someone who really understands the concerns and issues facing Maine’s working men and women,” said Local S7 President Danny Loudermilk Jr.

Strimling is running in a crowded Democratic field to replace Allen, who is running for Senate. Former Common Cause President Chellie Pingree, former state Senate Majority Leader Mike Brennan, Iraq War veteran Adam Cote, York County District Attorney Mark Lawrence and physician Steve Meister also are running.

For the Republicans, businessman Dean Scontras and Navy Reservist Charlie Summers are running for their party’s nomination.

Maine’s 1st district comprises the southern portion of the state, including Portland. Allen has held onto the district that leans decidedly Democratic for 12 years.
— Shira Toeplitz