Meet Shanna
Shanna Cox knows what it means to work hard and still struggle to find stability. As a young parent, she and her family did everything they were told was “right” — working hard, buying a modest home, and planning for the future. When the housing market collapsed, they fell through the cracks, facing rising costs, job loss, and uncertainty despite doing their best.
At 29, Shanna made the difficult decision to start over as a single parent with three young children. She worked nights to make ends meet, worried about stability, and learned firsthand how hard it can be to get ahead when systems don’t work the way they should. Asking for help through programs like MaineCare and Head Start didn’t make her dependent — it made it possible to work, build a career, and give her kids a more secure future.
Those experiences shaped how Shanna sees leadership and government. She believes dignity, stability, and opportunity should not depend on luck or perfect timing — and that systems should work for people who are doing their best.
Why She's Running
Shanna Cox is running for the Maine State Senate because too many families and small businesses are working harder than ever and still struggling to get ahead. Rising costs, housing shortages, and uncertainty about safety and stability are putting real pressure on people’s everyday lives.
Shanna believes hard work matters — but hard work alone isn’t enough when costs keep rising and support systems fall short. She’s running to bring integrity-driven, steady leadership to Augusta, focused on making life more affordable, strengthening community safety, and building a local economy that works close to home.
She is committed to listening first, explaining decisions clearly, and acting responsibly — especially when the stakes are high and the choices aren’t easy.
Her Experience
Shanna is a longtime community and economic development leader and small business owner in Lewiston. She has spent her career bringing people together across differences to solve real problems — supporting employers, strengthening neighborhoods, and helping communities navigate change.
She previously served as President and CEO of a business-serving association, where she helped small businesses navigate the pandemic, worked to support economic recovery, and advocated for practical solutions that reflected real-world conditions. Her work reinforced a deep belief that small businesses are the backbone of local communities — as employers, neighbors, and economic anchors.
From housing advocacy and neighborhood organizing to crisis leadership and economic stewardship, Shanna has led with empathy, accountability, and results. She is reopening her small business, Project Tipping Point, as she runs for office — and is ready to bring her experience and steady leadership to the Maine State Senate.
Shanna's Priorities
Making Life More Affordable
People who work hard should be able to afford the basics and build a stable future.
Safe Housing, Strong Neighborhoods
Everyone deserves a safe, healthy place to live — and neighborhoods should be places where families can thrive.
Protecting Personal Healthcare Decisions
Healthcare works best when people can get the care they need, when they need it — without politics or bureaucracy standing in the way.
Community Safety & Stability
Safety requires leadership that addresses violence, supports people in crisis, and helps communities regain stability.
Healthcare You Can Access and Afford
Healthcare should be accessible, affordable, and centered on trust between people and their doctors.
Supporting Small Businesses & Jobs
Strong local businesses mean good jobs, resilient communities, and an economy that works close to home.