Sally Cluchey

Representing Bowdoin, Bowdoinham and Richmond, in District 52

About Sally

Over the last four years it’s been an honor and a pleasure to connect with you, hear what’s on your mind, and work for you in Augusta. I’m running for reelection because I want to continue that work together.

I’ve spent my life bringing people together, solving problems, and making sure no one in our community gets left behind. Whether it’s leading the Bowdoinham Food Pantry, organizing community events, or helping families access resources like tax credits and food assistance, my focus has always been simple: make life a little easier and more dignified for the people around me.

I come from a family rooted in public service, and that shaped how I show up in the world. My career—from working in health policy to running my own consulting business—has been about listening, identifying barriers, and finding practical solutions. Here in Bowdoinham, Richmond, and Bowdoin, I’ve built my life around that same approach: listening first, then getting to work.

I’m running to protect what matters most—our democracy, reproductive freedom, and the basic building blocks of a stable life: affordable housing, access to food and healthcare, strong schools, and real support for working families. I’ve seen firsthand how hard it can be to navigate these systems, and I know we can do better.

  • “Sally's leadership of the Bowdoinham Food Pantry demonstrates that she not only talks the talk, she walks the walk. She also does a great job communicating with constituents through her newsletters and on social media. On top of that, that gal is brave as hell. There’s no one else I’d rather have representing me in Augusta.”

    — Bill Hamilton, Bowdoin

  • “Rep. Cluchey’s service on the Inland Fisheries & Wildlife committee has been so helpful. She comes to committee meetings with an open mind, and was instrumental in passing a law strengthening Maine’s support for endangered species. Given the rapidly changing climate, we’re fortunate to have Sally’s thoughtful, rational voice speaking on our behalf in Augusta.”

    — Barbara Vickery, Richmond

What Matters Most

Good Government

I’ve seen how frustrating it can be to navigate government programs that are supposed to help but are too complicated to access. I believe government should work for people—clearly, efficiently, and with accountability. I’ve worked hard to help people access what they need, and I’ll continue to focus on making sure resources are easier to find and use, and that people’s voices are actually heard in the decisions that affect their lives.

Affordable Housing

I believe everyone deserves a safe, stable place to live. In our communities, that’s getting harder to find. I’ll work to expand access to affordable housing so families, seniors, and working people can stay here and build their lives with security and dignity.

Healthy Communities

A healthy community means more than access to healthcare—it means access to nutritious food, clean environments, and the support systems people need to thrive. Through my work in the food pantry and beyond, I’ve seen how much a difference it makes when people can rely on those basics, and I’ll keep fighting to strengthen those systems.

Reproductive Rights

I trust people to make their own healthcare decisions. Protecting and expanding reproductive freedom is essential to personal dignity and autonomy. I’ll stand up to ensure that everyone has access to the care they need without interference or barriers.

Legislative Successes

Health Care & Public Health

  • Removed barriers to vaccine access that had been put in place by the federal government

  • Helped secure cost-of-living increases for the direct care workers who help older and disabled Mainers stay in their homes

  • Helped secure funding for pharmacy services at federally qualified health centers, improving access to care for patients

  • Helped pass one of the most expansive birth control access laws in the country with bipartisan support

  • Expanded access to dental care by allowing hygienists to practice at the full scope of their training

  • Protected and expanded access to women’s healthcare, including coverage for free diagnostic mammograms

  • Protected the privacy of providers prescribing abortion medication

  • Protected Maine healthcare providers from out-of-state political interference

Lowering Costs

  • Worked to revise the school funding formula to distribute state funds more equitably and ease property taxes

  • Expanded access to the Property Tax Fairness Credit and increased the amount of the credit

  • Expanded eligibility for the Medicare Savings Program and removed the asset test

  • Passed bipartisan legislation to shut down Bitcoin kiosk scams that were taking significant money from Mainers each year

Recreation, Conservation & Community Development

  • Restored ferry access to Swan Island

  • Passed legislation to authorize development of the Merrymeeting Trail

  • Secured funding to strengthen Maine’s local food systems, including support for locally raised and processed meat

  • Strengthened environmental protections, including updates to the Endangered Species Act and efforts to protect lakes from invasive species

Hunting, Outdoor Traditions & Wildlife Management

  • Expanded youth hunting opportunities to make Maine’s outdoor traditions more accessible

  • Continued work on implementing electronic deer tagging

Public Safety

  • Supported common-sense gun safety measures while respecting Maine’s traditions and rights

Community Service

In coordination with Age Friendly Bowdoinham I launched Bowdoinham Community Connections. This free program offers individualized, neighborly support to connect neighbors, forge new friendships, and identify and access resources that support health and well-being.

I currently serve on the Board of the Bowdoinham Food Pantry, where I’ve worked to expand access to fresh food and reduce stigma so anyone in the community feels welcome.

For 9 years I organized and lead the Bowdoinham Community School’s annual 5K, creating a meaningful and sustainable way to support local education.

I’ve volunteered as a tax preparer through CA$H Maine, helping working families access refunds and credits they might otherwise miss.

I’ve supported local initiatives that bring people together—from school and garden projects to community fundraising efforts—always focused on strengthening connection and opportunity in our towns.