Jantzen Craine

Jantzen Craine was born in Fort Smith, Arkansas. He served in the U.S. Air National Guard. He earned a bachelor's degree from Pensacola Christian College in 2016. His career experience includes working in management, finance, and as a public administrator. He has been affiliated with the Maine Air National Guard and Houlton Town Council.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I’m not a career politician — I’m a husband, a father of four, a hotel manager, and a worship leader in my local church. I was raised in conservative farm country, where faith, family, and hard work weren’t slogans, but a way of life. Today, my family and I live in Houlton, Maine, where I serve as the general manager of an independent hotel. My background in ministry, business, and community service has shaped my conviction that we need leaders who live out the values they speak about, not just repeat them when it’s convenient. That’s why I’ve stepped forward to serve as a citizen candidate, ready to represent Northern Maine with honesty, conviction, and a willingness to listen first.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

I believe the foundation of Maine’s strength is found in our families, our faith, and our freedom. These are not political talking points — they are the values that shape our communities every day. In Augusta, I will stand firmly for policies that protect our families, defend religious liberty, and ensure that government respects the freedoms guaranteed by our Constitution.My background is in business and ministry, not politics. I’ve spent my life solving problems, serving people, and working alongside ordinary citizens. I believe leadership means listening before speaking and serving before seeking recognition. As State Representative, I will bring that servant-leadership mindset to Augusta, putting the needs of Northern Maine ahead of political games.Too often, decisions in Augusta overlook the realities of life in Aroostook County. From energy costs to border security to supporting local small businesses, our district deserves a strong voice that understands rural Maine. I will fight for practical solutions that lower costs, strengthen our communities, and make sure that Northern Maine is not forgotten.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I am passionate about policies that strengthen families, protect freedoms, and address the unique needs of rural Maine. That includes ensuring parents have the first say in their children’s education, lowering energy and heating costs through practical solutions, and restoring trust in our elections by making them secure and transparent. As a hotel manager and small business leader, I also care deeply about supporting local businesses, cutting red tape, and keeping more money in the hands of hardworking Mainers.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

I look up to George Washington for his commitment to duty, restraint in power, and willingness to place the country above personal ambition. His example of servant leadership, respect for constitutional limits, and emphasis on character over popularity continues to shape my understanding of public service.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

An elected official must put service before self, listening before speaking, and principle before politics. Integrity, humility, and accountability are essential — people need to trust that their representative will keep their word. A true leader should stand firm on convictions, but also be willing to hear every voice and work toward solutions that strengthen families, protect freedoms, and serve the community.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

The core responsibility of a State Representative is to serve the people of their district, not themselves or a party. That means listening to constituents, bringing their concerns to Augusta, and voting in a way that reflects their values and best interests. It also includes holding government accountable, ensuring laws are fair and constitutional, and working to make state government efficient, transparent, and responsive to the needs of the people.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I want to leave a legacy of trust, steady leadership, and faithful stewardship. My goal is that people would be able to say I listened carefully, made decisions thoughtfully, respected the Constitution and the law, and left our community stronger, more accountable, and better prepared for the future than I found it.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

I have a faint recollection of watching the aftermath of the 2000 presidential election on TV with my parents throughout December 2000. The lawsuits and recounts were still ongoing as the legal system worked its way through the process. I was only six years old at the time. Naturally, the most significant event I remember is 9/11, which occurred when I was seven years old.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

My first “real” job was as a cook at a Sonic Drive-In in Arkansas. I held various positions there, but I was with the company for just under a year before I left to attend college in Florida.

What is your favorite book? Why?

My most read and most influential book is the Bible. While I read widely across history, leadership, economics, and public policy, the Bible has had the greatest impact on how I think about responsibility, human dignity, justice, and stewardship. It shapes my moral framework and informs how I approach decision-making, leadership, and service to others.

If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

If I could be any fictional character, it would be Captain America. I respect his commitment to doing what is right even when it is unpopular, his willingness to stand on principle rather than convenience, and his understanding that strength is meant to serve others. His character reflects leadership rooted in integrity, duty, and moral clarity rather than power.

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

One ongoing struggle in my life has been learning to balance responsibility across work, family, faith, and public service. I tend to take on a great deal of responsibility, and over time I have learned the importance of delegation, clear communication, and setting healthy priorities in order to serve others well without neglecting those closest to me.

What do you believe is the ideal relationship between the governor and state legislature?

The governor and the legislature should have a relationship built on mutual respect and accountability. The legislature represents the voice of the people, and the governor is charged with executing the laws. They should work together where they can find common ground, but the legislature must also act as a check when the executive branch overreaches. The ideal relationship is one where both branches respect their constitutional roles while keeping the people of Maine first.

What do you perceive to be your state's greatest challenges over the next decade?

Maine’s greatest challenges over the next decade will be economic and demographic. Our state faces an aging population, workforce shortages, and the need to keep young families here. Energy costs will remain a pressing issue, especially in Northern and rural Maine, where heating and fuel expenses strain household budgets. We must also address border security, support local businesses, and ensure our schools prepare the next generation to lead, work, and thrive here in Maine.

Do you believe that it’s beneficial for state legislators to have previous experience in government or politics?

Previous political experience can be helpful, but it is not essential. What matters most is integrity, common sense, and a willingness to listen and serve. Too often, career politicians become disconnected from the people they represent. Citizen legislators who come from business, farming, education, or community service bring real-world experience and fresh perspectives. That balance of practical knowledge and servant leadership is what truly benefits the people of Maine.

Do you believe it’s beneficial to build relationships with other legislators? Please explain your answer.

Yes. Building relationships with other legislators is essential to getting things done. While we may not always agree on every issue, respect and communication open the door to cooperation. Strong relationships make it possible to find common ground, advance good policy, and stand united when defending Maine’s values. Even when there are differences, treating others with civility ensures that the people’s business gets done and that Northern Maine has a strong voice in Augusta.

Is there a particular legislator, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?

Rather than modeling myself after a single legislator, I admire leaders who have combined conviction with humility. Men like Ronald Reagan showed that you can stand firm on principle while still communicating with optimism and civility. Locally, I respect Maine legislators who have stayed close to their communities and never lost touch with the people they serve. My goal is to follow that example: listening first, leading with integrity, and serving with a clear commitment to faith, family, and freedom.

Are you interested in running for a different political office (for example, the U.S. Congress or governor) in the future?

Right now my full attention is on earning the trust of the people of Northern Maine and serving them well in the State House. I believe public service should be about doing the job you’ve been called to do, not planning the next step on a political ladder. If, years from now, there were another way I could serve and it made sense for my family and community, I’d consider it prayerfully. But my focus today is on representing this district with integrity and hard work.

Both sitting legislators and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?

One of the most memorable stories I’ve heard came from a young family in our community who struggled to keep up with rising heating costs last winter. They worked hard, did everything right, but still faced the choice between paying bills and staying warm. Their story is not unique in Northern Maine — it reflects the reality many families face here. Hearing it reinforced for me why I’m running: because government decisions directly affect real people, and we need leaders who will listen, care, and fight for practical solutions.

Should the legislature oversee or grant the use of emergency powers?

Yes. Emergency powers may be necessary in rare situations, but they should never be open-ended or unchecked. The legislature is the voice of the people and must have a role in authorizing, reviewing, and limiting the use of those powers. Maine cannot afford to have one person making sweeping decisions for months without accountability. Oversight ensures that emergency actions remain temporary, targeted, and consistent with the Constitution and the will of the people.

What is the first bill you would introduce if elected?

The first bill I would introduce would strengthen parental rights in education. Parents deserve the final say in what their children are taught and how their values are respected in the classroom. This bill would ensure transparency in curriculum, protect parents’ right to review materials, and guarantee that schools partner with families rather than override them. Education should equip children for the future while honoring the role of parents as the primary decision-makers.

Do you support or oppose changes to the current state ballot initiative process? If so, what kind of changes would you consider?

Maine’s ballot initiative process is valuable, but it needs safeguards to ensure it reflects the will of the people, not just special interests. I support changes such as requiring signatures from across all regions of the state, not just population centers, so measures have broad support. I also believe petitions should include clearer summaries and disclosure if circulators are paid. Finally, the Legislature should have a structured review period, with the option to put a competing measure on the ballot, giving voters a fairer and more informed choice.

Candidates hear many personal stories from voters. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching or memorable?

One story that has stayed with me came from a constituent who described feeling invisible to government. They were working full time, raising a family, and doing everything they were supposed to do, yet felt that decisions were constantly being made without regard for how they affected ordinary people. What struck me most was not anger, but discouragement. That conversation reinforced for me how important it is for elected officials to listen carefully, respect people’s time and effort, and remember that behind every policy decision is a real person trying to do right by their family.

What is an accomplishment that you are proud of?

An accomplishment I am proud of is stepping into local leadership roles that require careful stewardship and accountability. Serving on the town council and managing complex organizational responsibilities has reinforced my commitment to responsible decision-making, fiscal discipline, and serving the community with consistency rather than showmanship.

What legislation would you enact related to election administration in your state?

I would support legislation that strengthens both access and integrity in Maine’s elections. This includes requiring a valid photo ID to vote, routine nonpartisan post-election audits, and accurate maintenance of voter rolls. I also believe absentee ballots should have a clear process for voters to correct mistakes, and that local election officials should receive improved training and certification. Together, these reforms would protect every legal vote and increase public trust in our elections.