A contested Democratic primary in Waterville in which abortion is the key issue tops the list of state House and Senate primaries on the June 11 ballot.

Three-term Rep. Bruce White (D-Waterville) is facing a primary challenge from marketing consultant Cassie Julia, who has been endorsed by the Planned Parenthood Maine Action Fund political action committee.

(Cassie Julia, contributed photo)

It’s the first time the group has endorsed a candidate in a state legislative primary, saying White has opposed several bills in the Legislature designed to advance women’s reproductive rights.

“This election is about who Waterville voters want making decisions about their reproductive rights: someone who will vote against our reproductive liberties or someone who has promised to fight for them,” Lisa Margulies, vice president for public affairs, for the Planned Parenthood action fund PAC said in a Thursday statement.

White said in a statement to Spectrum News that most people he speaks with “are not focused on a single issue and believe there is room for differing opinions within the Democratic Party.”

“I have been supportive of many issues which my constituents care about, including gun safety, property tax relief, affordable housing, homelessness and better pay for our childcare workers and educators,” he said.

Julia, who has served on the local planning board, is seeking her first term in the Legislature. She said her 17-year-old daughter’s examination of White’s voting record on abortion prompted her to run.

“I had intended to run in two years when Bruce’s terms were up,” she said. “What prompted me is my daughter. We were talking about how she has fewer rights than I did.”

Following the 2022 U.S. Supreme Court decision to overturn a federally protected right to abortion, Maine Democrats passed a bill to extend the time period during which a woman can have the procedure.

White voted against that bill, as well as an effort this year to enshrine the right to an abortion in the state constitution.

Statewide, there are more than a dozen additional contested primaries on the June 11 ballot. Here’s a roundup:

In Senate District 10 (eight towns in Penobscot County and three towns in Hancock County): Rep. David Haggan of Hampden is challenging incumbent Sen. Peter Lyford for the Republican nomination. The winner will face Democrat Michele Daniels of Brewer in November.

Senate District 16 (four towns in Kennebec County and two in Somerset County): Rep. Scott Cyrway of Albion faces former Rep. Michael Perkins of Oakland in a Republican primary. The winner will face incumbent Sen. David LaFountain (D-Winslow).

Senate District 19 (16 towns and unorganized territories in Franklin County and 27 towns and territories in Oxford County): Dave Duguay of Byron takes on Joseph Martin of Rumford for the GOP nomination. The winner will face former Sen. Bruce Bryant (D-Rumford) in November.

Senate District 24 (11 towns in Sagadahoc County and one in Lincoln County): Democrats Jean Guzzetti of Bath and former Rep. Denise Tepler of Topsham face off in the primary. The winner will face former Rep. Jeffrey Pierce (R-Dresden).

Senate District 27 (part of Portland and part of Westbrook): Democrat Kenneth Capron of Portland is challenging incumbent Sen. Jill Duson, also of Portland. The winner will face Republican Dale Holman of Portland in November.

House District 13 (three towns in Hancock County, plus the unorganized territory of Fletchers Landing Township): Republicans Cheryl Hewes of Ellsworth and Russell White, also of Ellsworth, face off. The winner will face incumbent Rep. J. Mark Worth (D-Ellsworth).

House District 24 (part of Bangor, part of Brewer, part of Orono and Veazie): Democrat Zachary Smith of Bangor is challenging incumbent Rep. Joe Perry (D-Bangor). The winner will face Republican Daniel LaPointe of Orono.

House District 64 (part of Waterville and part of Winslow): Democrat Flavia DeBrito of Waterville faces Andrew Dent, also of Waterville. The winner will face Republican Ruth Malcolm of Waterville.

House District 78 (five towns in Oxford County and the unorganized territory of Milton Township): Republican Nathan White of Rumford is challenging incumbent Rep. Rachel Henderson, also of Rumford. The winner will face Democrat Eric Giroux of Rumford.

House District 96 (part of Lewiston): In the GOP primary, Kerryl Clement faces Joseph Velozo. The winner will face Democrat David Projansky.

House District 109 (part of Gorham): Democrats Eleanor Sato and Seven Siegel will face off in June. The winner will run against Republican Alan Livingston.

House District 118 (part of Portland): It’s a three-way Democratic primary in this Portland district. Former Rep. Herb Adams, Sen. Ben Chipman and former school board member Yusuf Yusuf will compete not only for the nomination, but likely for the win. No Republican has filed to run in the district being vacated by House Speaker Rachel Talbot Ross, who is running for the Senate.

House District 122 (part of South Portland): Republican Michael Pock will face Patricia von Schaumburg in the GOP primary. The winner will face Rep. Matthew Beck (D-South Portland).

House District 123 (part of Cape Elizabeth): It’s a three-way Democratic primary, with former Rep. Cynthia Dill competing against Michelle Boyer and Kimberly Monaghan. The winner will face Republican Annie Christie.

In November, all 186 state House and Senate seats will be on the ballot.