Jeffrey Evangelos
Jeffrey Evangelos | |
|---|---|
| Member of the Maine House of Representatives from the 91st district | |
| In office December 5, 2018 – December 7, 2022 | |
| Preceded by | Abden Simmons |
| Succeeded by | Clinton Collamore |
| In office December 3, 2014 – December 7, 2016 | |
| Preceded by | Jarrod Crockett |
| Succeeded by | Abden Simmons |
| Member of the Maine House of Representatives from the 49th district | |
| In office December 5, 2012 – December 3, 2014 | |
| Preceded by | Wesley Richardson |
| Succeeded by | Mattie Daughtry |
| Personal details | |
| Born | November 3, 1952 Concord, Massachusetts, U.S. |
| Died | February 11, 2026 (aged 73) Friendship, Maine, U.S. |
| Party | Unenrolled (2005–) Democratic (before 2005) |
| Alma mater | SUNY Brockport (B.S.) University of Maine (M.A.) |
| Profession | Town Manager |
Jeffrey P. Evangelos (November 3, 1952 – February 11, 2026) was an American politician from Maine. Evangelos was an unenrolled (independent) member of the Maine House of Representatives, serving four two-year terms in the Maine House of Representatives between 2012 and 2022. He was noted for his willingness to criticize both Democrats and Republicans, and for his advocacy for criminal justice reform.[1]
Early life
Evangelos was born in Concord, Massachusetts, on November 3, 1952. He earned a B.S. in economics and history from Brockport State College in Brockport, New York. Afterwards, he moved to Maine and attended the University of Maine, where he earned a M.A. in history. He then began working in the public sector, including work in rural Washington County, Maine in municipal government. He was then hired as town manager in Warren, Maine, in 1976 at the age of 23.[2]
Politics
In 2004, Evangelos was a Democratic candidate for the Maine House of Representatives in District 49. He lost to Republican Wesley Richardson by 115 votes.[3]
Evangelos was elected in November 2012 to represent District 49, which includes the towns of Cushing, Union, Warren, and his residence in Friendship, all of which are in Knox County. He ran against a Republican in a two-way race and won with 55% of the vote. During the campaign, a conservative PAC sent out mailers criticizing Evangelos for his positions on former president George W. Bush.[4] He was re-elected in 2014 in what was now the 91st district, but did not seek re-election in 2016.[5] The seat flipped to Republican Abden Simmons.
Evangelos returned to politics and challenged Simmons in 2018, and defeated him by 133 votes to win the seat back. He was re-elected in 2020, but chose not to run for re-election in 2022 as he had been diagnosed with prostate cancer and leukemia.[6] He was succeeded by Democrat Clinton Collamore.
In November 2013, Evangelos endorsed Democratic Congressman Mike Michaud in the 2014 gubernatorial election.[7]
In 2016, Evangelos co-sponsored an impeachment measure against Republican governor Paul LePage, which failed.[8] Later that year, Evangelos attempted to have LePage removed from his position, alleging that the governor was not mentally fit enough to serve.[9] This effort also failed.
In 2022, Evangelos was hospitalized in the intensive care unit at Damariscotta's LincolnHealth Hospital.[10] While hospitalized, Evangelos continued to work on cases for his constituents.[10]
Death
Evangelos died on February 11, 2026, at the age of 73 following a prolonged battle with prostate cancer.[1][11][12]
References
- ^ a b "Former Rep. Jeff Evangelos, fierce advocate for criminal justice reform, dies at 73". The Portland Press Herald. February 12, 2026. Retrieved February 17, 2026.
- ^ "EvangelosFindingFriendship". Archived from the original on March 11, 2012. Retrieved February 3, 2013.
- ^ "General Election, November 2, 2004 - Tabulations - State Representative (Secretary of State, State of Maine, U.S.A.)". Archived from the original on March 20, 2010. Retrieved February 3, 2013.
- ^ Auciello, Shlomit (October 24, 2012). "Evangelos Questions Campaign Tactics". Lincoln County News. Archived from the original on October 31, 2012. Retrieved February 3, 2013.
- ^ Violo, Alexander (October 29, 2018). "Friendship Independent Eyes Return to State House". The Lincoln County News. Retrieved February 17, 2026.
- ^ "Rep. Evangelos will not seek a fifth term in Maine Legislature | PenBay Pilot". www.penbaypilot.com. December 8, 2021. Retrieved February 17, 2026.
- ^ Evangelos, Jeffrey (November 19, 2013). "Why an independent rep favors Democrat Michaud in the 2014 race for Maine governor". Bangor Daily News. Retrieved November 19, 2013.
- ^ "Maine House votes against impeachment of Gov. LePage". The Portland Press Herald. January 14, 2016. Retrieved February 17, 2026.
- ^ "Maine lawmaker trying to oust LePage over 'mental competency'". POLITICO. September 6, 2016. Retrieved February 17, 2026.
- ^ a b Andrews, Caitlin (January 7, 2022). "Hard-charging midcoast lawmaker is in the ICU with COVID-19 and cancer". Bangor Daily News. Retrieved February 17, 2026.
- ^ "Jeffrey P. Evangelos Obituary (2026) - Pittsford, NY - Hall Funeral Homes & Cremation Services - Thomaston". Legacy.com. Retrieved February 18, 2026.
- ^ "Former Maine Rep. Jeff Evangelos dies after nearly eight-year battle with prostate cancer". WGME2. February 14, 2026. Retrieved February 17, 2026.