The race in House District 52 features Democratic incumbent Jennifer DeChant and a political newcomer, Republican Bil Weidner, both of Bath.

DeChant has served in the House of Representatives for four years.

She is executive director of the Chocolate Church Arts Center in Bath, and in the past was a Democratic national committeewoman and chairwoman of the Sagadahoc County Democratic Party.

Weidner decided to run for office after no Republican candidate stepped forward to run against DeChant.

He spent years working in the pharmaceutical industry, experience that he said would be of great value in facing the ongoing opioid crisis.

“I’ve had a lot of professional background and education on the issue,” said Weidner. “I really think I have something to add to the conversation here.”

He said his experience working with physicians and pain management techniques from a pharmaceutical standpoint will prove valuable in finding solutions for the drug epidemic.

“I really think we need to bring doctors to Augusta, talk to the doctors and come up with a plan,” Weidner said.

DeChant’s stance on the opioid crisis is that such medication has been overprescribed in the past, and criminal penalties alone won’t solve the issue.

“We are not going to arrest our way out of this epidemic. It will take effective treatment, as well as law enforcement,” she said.

DeChant added that one of the big things she would like to tackle if re-elected is an energy policy that will promote renewable alternatives.

“I think it’s an interesting economic development issue, because Maine is well positioned in forward movement for developing renewable energy,” she said. “I was disappointed that the Legislature was unable to foster a statewide energy policy that works in favor of the environment and ratepayers alike. Specifically, the inability to develop and improve solar policy was disappointing. We got close last session, and I want to return to that fight as soon as possible.”

Both candidates are concerned about the number of referendum questions going to voters on Nov. 8.

Weidner believes national organizations are abusing Maine’s referendum system to push their agendas.

“Like on gun control, for example, or the legalization of marijuana, anyone with an agenda looks at the state of Maine and the referendum system, and it seems like a low investment in order to move your agenda,” he said.

His concern is that without the legislative process, laws that are passed might have unforeseen consequences.

“I feel like Maine has been a target for that. I think the majority of people in Maine don’t understand the process that legislatures go through to get a law written and on the books,” Weidner said. “It’s long and deliberative for a reason.”

DeChant, in contrast, said the referenda are a result of the lack of progress in the Legislature.

“Most of this election’s citizens’ initiatives are on the ballot because the Legislature has either rejected, sidestepped, or passed and failed to override a veto on bills addressing each issue. Public patience simply ran out,” she said.