Wells selectman reelected by 7 votes; school board chair unseated by challenger

[](https://www.pressherald.com/tag/election-2026/) _[Read all of our coverage](https://www.pressherald.com/tag/election-2026/) of Maine's 2026 election or stay up to date with the latest developments through the [Maine Political Report](https://www.pressherald.com/mprnewsletter/) in your inbox or [text messages](https://www.pressherald.com/2026/01/11/maine-political-news-sent-right-to-your-phone-sign-up-for-text-alerts-from-our-editor/) from politics editor Kirby Wilson._ Wells residents reelected a town selectman by seven votes on Tuesday, while the chair of the Wells-Ogunquit Community School District board was unseated. Incumbent Selectman James Smith received 1,626 votes, while opponent Phillip Breton received 1,619, according to official results. Because of the narrow margin of the race, [Maine law says](https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/statutes/30-A/title30-Asec2531-B.html) Breton can request a recount with no fee required. Neither Breton nor Smith immediately responded to emails seeking comment on the race and the possibility of a recount on Wednesday. Meanwhile, Eileen Conlon was elected to the Wells-Ogunquit Community School District Board of Trustees, defeating board Chair Jason Vennard. Conlon received 1,862 votes to Vennard’s 1,327. Advertisement Conlon said in an email Wednesday that she was surprised to have won, since this is her first time seeking elected office. “Hopefully I’ll be able to contribute in this new role on the School Committee,” she wrote. Conlon noted that she has a lengthy background in the education field: She holds a doctoral degree in education from the University of Massachusetts and has taught middle school, college and adult management training. In a Facebook post Tuesday night, Vennard conceded and wished Conlon the best. “This experience has been both humbling and rewarding, and I will have more thoughts to share in the days ahead,” he wrote. “For now, I simply want to thank everyone who supported me, encouraged me, volunteered, displayed a sign, or cast a vote. Your support has meant a great deal to me.” Wells residents also voted to approve the town’s $33.57 million municipal budget, approving all budget articles by various margins. The town also voted on several referendums, including approving an ordinance that calls on state and federal officials to enact fossil fuel pricing legislation in an effort to combat climate change. In three uncontested races, Jamie Lombardi, Darcy Lynch and James Purdy were all elected to the Library Board of Trustees; Michael Livingston was elected as Wells Sanitary District trustee; and Michele Stivaletta-Noble was elected as town clerk. According to the official results, 3,887 town candidate ballots, 3,892 town article ballots and 3,741 school ballots were cast in Tuesday’s election. Copy the Story Link Tagged: [election 2026](https://www.pressherald.com/tag/election-2026/), [wells high school](https://www.pressherald.com/tag/wells-high-school/) [](https://www.pressherald.com/author/abigail-driscoll) [Abigail DriscollStaff Writer](https://www.pressherald.com/author/abigail-driscoll) Abigail is a community reporter for Kennebunk, Kennebunkport, Sanford, and Wells. She recently moved up to Maine from Connecticut after getting her bachelor’s degree in English/Journalism at the University. [More by Abigail Driscoll](https://www.pressherald.com/author/abigail-driscoll)