Angus S. King, Jr.: United States Senator Representing Maine

Angus Stanley King, Jr., born on March 31, 1944, in Alexandria, Virginia, is a prominent American politician and lawyer who has been serving as the junior United States Senator from Maine since 2013. An Independent, King has built a reputation for his bipartisan approach and dedication to the interests of Maine’s citizens. Prior to his tenure in the Senate, he served as the 72nd Governor of Maine from 1995 to 2003. King’s career is marked by a commitment to public service, education, and energy conservation.​

Early Life and Education

King was born to Ellen Archer and Angus Stanley King, a lawyer who served as a U.S. magistrate for the Eastern District of Virginia. He graduated from Dartmouth College in 1966 with a Bachelor of Arts degree and earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Virginia School of Law in 1969. During his time at Dartmouth, King was a member of the Delta Upsilon fraternity.​

Early Career

After completing his education, King moved to Maine, where he began his legal career as a staff attorney for Pine Tree Legal Assistance in Skowhegan, providing legal aid to low-income individuals. In 1972, he served as chief counsel to the U.S. Senate Subcommittee on Alcoholism and Narcotics. King also worked as a legislative assistant to U.S. Senator William Hathaway during the 1970s. Beyond his legal and political work, he became a familiar face in Maine as the host of a public affairs television program.​

In 1983, King was appointed vice president of Swift River/Hafslund Company, focusing on alternative energy projects such as hydroelectric and biomass developments in New England. Demonstrating his entrepreneurial spirit, he founded Northeast Energy Management, Inc. in 1989, a company dedicated to developing and operating electrical energy conservation projects. King sold the company in 1994, marking a successful chapter in his business career.​

Governor of Maine (1995–2003)

In 1994, King entered the political arena as an Independent candidate for Governor of Maine. In a competitive four-way race, he secured victory, becoming one of the few Independents to hold gubernatorial office in the United States. King was re-elected in 1998 by one of the largest margins in Maine’s history.

During his tenure, Governor King prioritized economic development and job creation. He implemented significant reforms in education, including a pioneering initiative to provide laptops to middle school students, aiming to integrate technology into education and bridge the digital divide. King also focused on mental health services, land conservation, environmental protection, and improving the efficiency of state services.​Home |

Post-Gubernatorial Activities

After leaving office in 2003, King embarked on a cross-country road trip with his family, exploring 34 states over six months. Upon returning to Maine, he continued his involvement in energy projects, particularly in wind energy development. King also served as a distinguished lecturer at Bowdoin College and was a fellow at the Institute of Politics at Harvard University, sharing his insights and experiences with students and future leaders.​

U.S. Senate (2013–Present)

In 2012, King announced his candidacy for the U.S. Senate seat vacated by retiring Republican Senator Olympia Snowe. Running as an Independent, he won the election and took office on January 3, 2013. King was re-elected in 2018 and again in 2024, demonstrating sustained support from Maine voters across the political spectrum.​

As a Senator, King caucuses with the Democrats for committee assignments but maintains his Independent status, emphasizing his commitment to bipartisan collaboration. His committee assignments have included:​

• Committee on Armed Services: Serving on subcommittees such as Airland, Seapower, and Strategic Forces, where he has held the position of Chair since 2021.​

• Committee on Energy and Natural Resources: Participating in subcommittees on Energy, National Parks (Chair since 2021), Public Lands, Forests, and Mining, and Water and Power.​

• Select Committee on Intelligence: Contributing to oversight of the nation’s intelligence agencies and operations.​

King’s legislative efforts have focused on issues such as energy policy, national security, and education. He co-sponsored the Affordable College Textbook Act, aiming to reduce the financial burden of educational materials on students. In response to concerns about judicial ethics, King, alongside Senator Lisa Murkowski, introduced bipartisan legislation to establish an ethics code for the Supreme Court.​

Personal Life

King resides in Brunswick, Maine, with his wife, Mary Herman. He is a father to five children. A two-time cancer survivor, King has been an advocate for healthcare access, often citing his personal experiences to underscore the importance of health insurance and preventive care.​

Final Summary

Senator Angus S. King, Jr.’s career reflects a steadfast dedication to public service, characterized by his Independent stance and commitment to bipartisanship. From his early legal work and entrepreneurial ventures to his leadership as Governor of Maine and tenure in the U.S. Senate, King has consistently prioritized the well-being of his constituents.

References

Biographical Directory of the United States Congress. (n.d.). KING, Angus Stanley, Jr.  https://bioguide.congress.gov/search/bio/K000383

Britannica, T. Editors of Encyclopaedia. (n.d.). Angus King. Encyclopedia Britannica.  https://www.britannica.com/biography/Angus-King

King, A. S. (n.d.). About Angus. U.S. Senate.  https://www.king.senate.gov/about

National Governors Association. (n.d.). Gov. Angus S. King.  https://www.nga.org/governor/angus-s-king/

Wikipedia contributors. (2025, March 30). Angus King. In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia.  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Angus_King

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