John Lewis Martin

John L. Martin (born June 5, 1941, in Eagle Lake, Maine) is an American politician of the Democratic Party. Martin has been in Maine politics since his first election to the Maine House of Representatives in 1964, and is sometimes called "The Earl of Eagle Lake" as a result.

Political career Martin was a member of the Maine House of Representatives from 1964 through 1996, serving as Minority Floor Leader from 1971 through 1974. Following that he was elected Speaker of the House from 1975 through 1994. In 1992, one of his aides was convicted in a ballot tampering scandal involving two close House races. It is believed that, combined with his length of service, contributed to Maine voters approving legislative term limits in 1993. In criticizing term limits in 2014, Governor Paul LePage cited Martin as an example of how experienced legislators would benefit the State as opposed to inexperienced legislators with "firm agendas".

From 2000 through 2008, Martin represented the 35th district in the Maine Senate. During that time he also served as Assistant Majority Leader.

In 2008, Martin was again elected to the House. He was defeated for re-election in 2012 by Republican Michael Nadeau. Martin stated it was due to money and negative campaigning, stating that "If you throw enough mud around, some of it’s going to stick." State records erroneously listed him as a Republican despite his still being a Democrat. Maine Secretary of State Matthew Dunlap stated the error would be corrected. Martin defeated Nadeau in the November 4, 2014 election, and would serve until term-limited in 2022.

In 2024, at the age of 82, Martin declared a run for his old house seat. He would be defeated in a landslide by Republican Lucien Daigle, as the rural, border areas of Aroostook County that were once heavily Democratic have swung to the Republican Party.

Family Martin is single.

Education In 1963, Martin received his BA in History/Government from the University of Maine Orono.

Political experience From 1964 to 1996, 1998–2000, 2008–2012, and again from 2014 to present, Martin has been a representative for the Maine State House of Representatives In 2008 was an assistant majority leader for the Maine State Senate From 2000 to 2008 was a senator for Maine State Senate From 1975 to 1994 was a Speaker of the House for the Maine State House From 1971 to 1974 was a House minority floor leader for the Maine State House Member of the Democratic National Committee

Professional experience Is an assistant professor in political science and government at the University of Maine Fort Kent. Takes part in graduate work in political science at the University of Maine Orono.