On January 12 at Gemini Cafe on Main Street in Bethel, people in this town of 2,600 came out in droves to cheer for not one, but two hometown candidates entering the local political scene.

The launch party at the popular bakery ran from 4 to 6 p.m.

Woody Hughes

Woody Hughes of Bethel is a candidate for Maine House of Representatives in District 78 which includes: Bethel, Hanover, Rumford, Roxbury, Milton Township and Byron.

Hughes first came to the area as a student at Gould Academy and returned to Bethel for the last nine years of his teaching career as a potter at Gould. Together with his wife, Lee they bought and operated a Bethel inn and restaurant for seven years.

Rumford’s Rachel Henderson, a Republican is currently serving her second term in the role. She serves in the Judiciary. She has not announced a third run.

Peter Southam

Peter and Southam and his wife Sarah moved to Bethel from Exeter New Hampshire in 1990. Southam served on the Bethel Select Board for nine years. His wife is serving in that role currently.

If elected Southam would represent several towns across Oxford and Franklin Counties. Here, that includes Bethel, Newry, Hanover, Woodstock, Gilead, West Paris, Rumford, Andover and many others.

Peter Southam has held leadership positions in area outdoor and recreation organizations. He worked as a biology and chemistry teacher at Gould Academy in Bethel, where he also coached road cycling and mountain biking for students.

Serving in the role currently is Joseph E. Martin (R-Oxford) who was elected in November, 2024. He serves on the Environment and Natural Resources and State and Local Government committees. He has not announced if he will run for a second term.