John Murphy Salamone
For Senate District 32
Top PRIORITIES:
Reduce State Income Tax
Cut Housing Costs For Maine Residents
Decrease Homelessness & Drug Addiction
Lower Energy Costs Significantly
Control Immigration
Maine’s Tax Burden Is Among the Highest In the Nation
Maine has one of the highest tax burdens in the country at 10.7%, far exceeding many other states. This heavy tax load is driving businesses away, stifling economic growth, and discouraging young professionals from building their careers and futures here, as they seek more tax-friendly states with better opportunities.
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Maine's State Income Tax imposes an undue burden on hardworking families and individuals, making it harder for them to thrive while discouraging young professionals from settling down and building their future here. On average, this tax costs households over $6,000 annually.
Repealing this tax would be a game-changer—giving people greater control over their finances and fueling robust economic growth across the state.
When elected in 2026, I will prioritize introducing legislation to eliminate the Maine State Income Tax. This will allow Mainers to keep more of their earnings, paving the way for a stronger, more prosperous future for our state and its people.
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I have lived in Maine my entire life, particularly in the Greater Portland area, and I have witnessed a dramatic increase in drug addiction and homelessness across our cities. While homelessness has always existed to some degree, the sight of needles on Portland’s streets and sprawling tent encampments in our parks was never a defining characteristic of our community.
Unfortunately, many individuals experiencing homelessness in Maine are not originally from the state at all, but instead have been drawn here by policies that expand shelter capacity, offer free handouts, as well as programs like Housing Opportunities for People in Encampments (HOPE). While these initiatives may be well-intentioned, they have unintentionally created incentives that attract more homeless individuals to our cities, ultimately worsening the issue instead of addressing its underlying causes.
We need to rethink our approach. Funding should be redirected toward inpatient rehabilitation programs and return-to-work initiatives that provide meaningful support to those committed to turning their lives around. At the same time, we must empower our local police departments to address tent encampments effectively and restore order to our public spaces. By focusing on real solutions, we can create a safer, healthier environment for everyone in our state.
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It is neither fair nor sustainable that young workers in our state are increasingly unable to afford homes, while out-of-state buyers like hedge funds and asset management companies own an estimated 25% of our residential housing supply. As a result, many young professionals are forced to leave the state or remain renters indefinitely, unable to establish long-term roots here. If this trend continues, it will have serious consequences for our economy and our communities.
When elected in 2026, I will propose legislation to implement a statewide property tax on single-family homes owned by non-residents and hedge funds. This measure will help reduce housing costs, making it easier for local residents to achieve homeownership, while also generating substantial revenue for the state.
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Since 2019, the State of Maine has spent an estimated $104.6 million on providing housing and other support programs for asylum seekers and migrants. While a certain level of migration can be beneficial and practical for our state, the current volume of immigration is overwhelming our city resources and schools.
It is also unfair to Mainers who are already struggling to make ends meet, that they are expected to bear the financial burden of thousands of migrants entering our state each year. While immigration is primarily a federal issue, the state does have the ability to reduce funding for these programs that disproportionately strain our local systems. If elected, I will consistently vote against these unfair policies and the funding that supports them.
Additionally, my plan includes restricting the use of foreign work visas like H1Bs and H2Bs by introducing high salary floors and enforcing tax penalties to ensure businesses prioritize local talent. Additionally, I will advocate for the mandatory use of eVerify in Maine, ensuring that only those authorized to work in the U.S. are hired. These measures will protect Maine's working class from being undercut by cheap foreign labor while maintaining opportunities for truly essential foreign talent when necessary.
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To lower energy costs and achieve long-term energy independence, we will modernize Maine’s legacy dams by converting them into hydroelectric power plants. This approach has proven both feasible and environmentally responsible, as demonstrated by Washington State’s successful hydroelectric program. By harnessing clean, renewable energy from our waterways, we can lower our energy cost signifignatly for many generations.
Additionally, we will thoroughly explore the potential of nuclear energy as a reliable and innovative solution. With advancements in nuclear technology, this energy source has the capacity to make Maine not just energy independent, but a leader in energy production and innovation.
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As a Catholic, I believe in the sanctity of human life from conception to natural death. Maine’s current abortion laws, which allow for abortions at any stage of pregnancy, reflect a departure from the values many in our state hold dear. While compassion and understanding for women facing difficult choices are essential, I believe our laws must balance those considerations with a commitment to protecting the rights of the unborn.
When elected, I will advocate for policies that limit late-term abortions except in cases where the life of the mother is at significant risk. At the same time, I will work to expand resources for women and families. This includes increasing access to programs that support mothers facing unplanned pregnancies. By building a culture that values life and providing real alternatives, we can foster a society where both mothers and children are supported and valued.
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I believe that the foundation of a strong and thriving society is an exceptional education system, one that values and empowers its teachers while fostering a learning environment that is focused, unbiased, and patriotic. To achieve this, I will advocate for a comprehensive education policy that prioritizes both teachers and students while addressing inefficiencies and ensuring accountability.
First, we must address the issue of extreme administrative bloat within the Maine Department of Education. The current system diverts valuable resources away from classrooms and into layers of bureaucracy. I will advocate for streamlining the Department of Education, stripping it down to its essential functions, and reallocating funds to directly support teachers and students. This approach will empower localities to regain control over their budgets, allowing communities to tailor their schools to meet local needs and priorities.
At the same time, we must elevate the status of our educators. I will propose raising the minimum salary of teachers to $50,000 or more annually to attract and retain talented individuals who are committed to shaping the future of our children. Teachers are the backbone of our education system, and we should focus on retaining quality educators—those who actually spend eight hours a day in the classroom with our children—not overpaid administrators sitting behind a desk in Augusta.
In addition, I will support the adoption of curriculums that promote American excellence, fostering a deep appreciation for our nation’s history, values, and achievements. Our classrooms should be environments where students learn to think critically and develop the skills they need to succeed in the modern world—free from divisive political, religious, or ideological agendas. To maintain this neutrality, I will propose a ban on all non-educational symbols in classrooms. The only flag that should hang in our public schools is the red, white, and blue: the American flag, a unifying symbol of our shared identity and values.
By investing in our teachers, reducing administrative inefficiencies, empowering local communities, and ensuring classrooms remain focused on education, we can build a system that prepares our students for success while fostering pride in our country. Together, we can create an education system that truly reflects the ideals of opportunity, excellence, and unity.
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When elected, I will stand in defense of the Second Amendment, protecting the fundamental right of law-abiding citizens to keep and bear arms. The Second Amendment is not just a constitutional guarantee; it is a cornerstone of our freedom and security. I will actively oppose any legislation that seeks to undermine this right, including so-called “buyback” programs that are nothing more than government confiscation in disguise, and red flag laws that erode due process and allow for unjustified seizure of firearms based on unproven allegations.
Furthermore, I will fight against any proposed restrictions or policies that infringe upon the rights of responsible gun owners. Whether it’s limiting firearm ownership, imposing excessive regulations, or creating barriers to self-defense, such measures are not only unconstitutional but ineffective at addressing the root causes of violence. I believe in supporting policies that uphold individual rights while focusing on proven solutions, such as enforcing existing laws, improving mental health care access, and strengthening community safety. The Second Amendment is a critical safeguard for our freedoms, and I am committed to preserving it for future generations.
Policies
These are the policies I will fight for while in office.
About
My name is John Murphy Salamone, and I was born and raised in Portland, Maine—a place I’ve been proud to call home my entire life. After graduating from Loyola University in 2018 with a Bachelor of Arts in Global Studies, I continued to build my career in information technology, earning multiple professional IT certifications.
For several years, I’ve worked as an IT Engineer right here in Maine, honing a deep understanding of computer systems, networks, and the technology that drives innovation. My work has not only been a technical challenge but also a way for me to contribute to the success of local businesses and organizations, solving problems and creating solutions that make a difference.
While I’ve always kept informed about the challenges and opportunities facing Maine, I’ve resisted becoming politically involved—until recently. As I’ve watched the issues in our state grow more complex and urgent, I’ve realized that it’s no longer enough to stand on the sidelines.
This is a pivotal moment for me, one where I feel a strong sense of responsibility to step up and be part of the solution. Maine has always been my home, and I’m committed to doing my part to ensure it remains a place where families like mine can thrive for generations to come.