YORK COUNTY, Maine — As part of The Maine Mirror’s ongoing Candidate Spotlight Series, we are introducing readers to individuals seeking public office across the State of Maine. The purpose of this series is simple: to help voters become more familiar with the people asking to represent them.

Elections are ultimately about people. Behind every campaign is an individual who has chosen to dedicate their time, energy, and personal life toward serving their community. Regardless of political affiliation or ideology, running for public office is a significant commitment, and we believe Maine voters benefit from having opportunities to learn more about those candidates in a straightforward, factual format.

This spotlight features Julie N. Rakic, the Republican nominee for Maine State Senate District 35, which includes Eliot, Kittery, Ogunquit, South Berwick, and York. She advanced from the Republican primary and will appear on the November 3, 2026, general election ballot.

About Julie Rakic

Julie Rakic is a Maine native, businesswoman, licensed Realtor, and hairstylist. Rakic previously sought election to the Maine Senate in 2024 and is again seeking to represent Senate District 35 in 2026. Her campaign emphasizes practical problem-solving, economic opportunity, and supporting working families throughout southern Maine.

Campaign Priorities

According to Rakic’s campaign website, her priorities include:

• Lowering taxes to help Mainers keep more of what they earn.
• Growing good-paying jobs and expanding economic opportunity.
• Increasing access to affordable child care.
• Supporting technical, trade, and vocational education.
• Strengthening Maine’s workforce to encourage younger generations to build careers and remain in the state.

Her campaign focuses on affordability, workforce development, and reducing barriers for Maine families and businesses.

Professional Background

Rakic’s publicly available biography highlights experience in both the private and public sectors. In addition to her work as a Realtor, businesswoman, and has campaigned on bringing leadership and real-world experience to Augusta.

Learn More

Readers interested in learning more about Julie Rakic or following her campaign can visit:

• Campaign Website: https://www.julierakic.com
• Ballotpedia: https://ballotpedia.org/Julie_Rakic
• Maine Monitor Voter Guide: https://themainemonitor.org/senate-district-35-elections/

Five Questions for Every Candidate

As part of The Maine Mirror’s Candidate Spotlight Series, we are inviting every candidate to answer the same five questions so voters can hear directly from them in their own words.

1. Why are you running for office?
2. What life experiences have best prepared you to serve your district?
3. What do you believe is the single greatest challenge facing the people of your district today?
4. If elected, what is one issue you would make your highest priority during your first term?
5. What would you most like voters to know about you that may not come across through campaign materials alone?

If Julie Rakic would like to respond to these questions, she is warmly invited to contact editor@themainmirror.com. We would be pleased to publish her responses as a follow-up to this spotlight so readers can hear directly from her.

Likewise, if Ms. Rakic believes any information in this article should be clarified, corrected, updated, or expanded, we welcome that opportunity. Our goal is to present candidates accurately and fairly, and we are always happy to make factual updates when appropriate.

Editorial Note

The purpose of The Maine Mirror’s Candidate Spotlight Series is not to advocate for or against any candidate or political party. Our goal is to increase public awareness of the individuals seeking to serve the people of Maine by providing factual background information and an open invitation for candidates to speak for themselves.

We believe civic engagement begins with understanding who is willing to step forward and serve. Whether readers ultimately agree or disagree with a candidate’s positions, we appreciate those who choose to participate in the democratic process and work toward being the change they wish to see.