LEWISTON — Democratic state Sen. Peggy Rotundo announced Tuesday that she will not seek reelection to District 21 in 2026. 

Rotundo’s announcement comes after nearly three decades of public service, most of it in the Legislature representing Lewiston. Senate District 21 encompasses all of Lewiston.

“It has been the honor of my life to serve the people of Lewiston,” Rotundo said in a statement, adding that she is “profoundly grateful for the trust that the Lewiston community has placed in me.”

Rotundo was first elected in 2000 and has served six nonconsecutive terms in the Maine Senate and four terms in the House. She chairs the Legislature’s Appropriations and Financial Affairs Committee, where she has overseen state budget negotiations and funding decisions.

During her tenure, Rotundo focused on issues such as health care access, prescription drug coverage, property tax relief and education funding. She has also served on the Lewiston School Committee and several legislative commissions. 

Rotundo plans to serve out her term and expects to remain involved in Lewiston’s future after leaving the Legislature.

Rotundo’s decision leaves another Lewiston State House position up for grabs.

Rep. Kristen Cloutier, also a Democrat, stepped down in November. Lewiston School Committee member Janet Beaudoin and Scott Harriman, a city councilor, will vie for the House District 94 seat in a special election in February after being selected in local party caucuses.