Mike Cunningham

leadership that listens

Running to represent Ellsworth, Fletcher’s Landing & Waltham, District 13

About Mike

I moved to Ellsworth in 2001 when I was transferred there with the Coast Guard, and over the years it’s become home. What I value most about this community is what draws so many of us here—the connection to the ocean and the woods, and the sense that people look out for one another. I was raised in a close-knit family in Massachusetts, where hard work and respect weren’t just talked about, they were expected. That stayed with me. It shaped how I raise my own family and how I show up in this community.

I spent 21 years in the Coast Guard, often in leadership roles, responsible for personnel and budgets and working with people from all kinds of backgrounds. That experience taught me how to listen, gather the facts, and make decisions that serve the mission and the people depending on you. After retiring, I built a small business as a handyman and also stepped up to drive a school bus when the district needed help. Whether it’s working on someone’s home or getting kids safely to school, I take pride in doing work that matters, and in serving others.

I decided to run for office because I believe we need more of that mindset in government. Right now, too much of our politics is divided, and it’s making it harder to solve real problems. I’ve spent my life working with people who don’t always agree but still have to get the job done. That’s what I want to bring to this role: leadership that listens, finds common ground, and focuses on solutions.

At the end of the day, I’m running because I want to make things better and show that government can still work for people. I will listen to you, take your concerns seriously, and put in the work to find solutions. I don’t expect everyone to agree, but I do believe we can treat each other with respect and move forward together. That’s the kind of leadership I’ve practiced my whole life, and that’s what I will bring to this role.

  • Mike truly cares about people and the community, always lending a helping hand where needed. He will do the same in Augusta representing the best interests of District 13.

    Jeff Clark, Retired Ellsworth Real Estate Broker

  • Whether I’m driving a school bus or raising my own kids, I believe in passing down the values I was taught—respect, responsibility, and taking care of others.

  • Serving others motivates me. Making money doesn’t drive me. Making other people's lives better and teaching young kids everything I was taught growing up motivates me.

  • Serving in the Coast Guard I was involved in Law Enforcement and learned to get all the facts before making a decision. In this political climate I want to get everyone talking and listening to each other. We don’t have to agree but we can listen and respect each other's opinions.

What Matters Most

Affordable Housing & Cost of Living

I see every day how rising costs are outpacing people’s pay. In my work, I’ve seen homes fall into disrepair because families simply can’t afford the repairs they need. Housing is getting harder to afford, and that’s not sustainable. We need practical solutions that make it easier for people to maintain their homes and find affordable places to live.

Veterans Support

I served 21 years in the Coast Guard, and I take care of my fellow veterans the same way I was taught to—by showing up. Anytime I see a veteran, I stop and ask how they’re doing and if they need anything. They were willing to give everything for us, and I believe we owe them our full support in return.

Healthcare Access

I believe we need to take a serious look at how we deliver healthcare in this country. I’ve been part of discussions and continue to learn more about universal healthcare because people deserve access to care they can rely on. This isn’t about politics, it’s about making sure people can get the care they need.

Education & Community

Whether I’m driving a school bus or raising my own kids, I believe in passing down the values I was taught—respect, responsibility, and taking care of others. I take pride in helping kids grow into good human beings, and I believe strong communities are built by investing in the next generation and leading by example. Our schools need our support to make sure we raise up the next generation to thrive.

Bringing People Together

What frustrates me most is how divided things have become. Government doesn’t work when it’s one side versus the other. My focus is simple: get people talking, get people listening, and find common ground. We don’t have to agree on everything, but we do have to work together to move forward.