Rep. Jim Thorne

State Representative, House District 35

Hermon and Carmel

Representative James “Jim” Thorne of Carmel is currently serving his third term representing House District 35, which includes the towns of Hermon and Carmel.  He serves as the Republican Lead on the 132nd Legislature’s Joint Standing Committee on Marine Resources and as a member of the Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Committee. 

Rep. Thorne served 21 years in the United States Air Force from 1983 to 2003.  During his service, he was a logistics officer and recruiter.  Mr. Thorne has spent his career since retiring from the Air Force as an advertising sales manager at Northwoods Sporting Journal and as a Registered Maine Guide.  He stays busy in his community as a member of the American Legion (Post 107), NRA, B.P.O.E. (Elks) #1954, Sportsman’s Alliance of Maine, Bangor Troop Greeters, and the VFW.

Jim and his wife Suzanne reside in Carmel. Jim has two daughters; Tiffany and Jessica, and four grandchildren.  In his free time, Jim enjoys being outdoors, hunting, fishing, playing golf, going up to camp, and playing with his four grandchildren. 

Member News

Legislative Update

2026 Legislative Session Update with Rep. Jim Thorne House District 35 – Carmel and Hermon Investing in Our Children’s Future One of the most promising provisions of the federal Working Families Tax Cut Act is now available to families across America. This summer, Trump Accounts officially launched, giving parents a new way to invest in…

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Maine should adopt tax relief for working families 

Last month, Governor Janet Mills issued a directive declining to conform the Maine tax code to several provisions in the federal “Working Families tax Cut Act.” These provisions included the elimination of taxes on tips and overtime pay, as well as an increase in the standard deduction—changes that were designed to reduce the overall tax…

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Legislative Republicans Urge Revocation of Gulf of Maine Offshore Wind Leases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 9, 2025 AUGUSTA – Republican lawmakers from the Legislature’s Energy, Utilities and Technology Committee, along with several state Representatives and Senators, have called on U.S. Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum and U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright to revoke all remaining Gulf of Maine offshore wind leases. In a letter…

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Legislators Urge President to Protect Maine’s Environment and Safeguard Coastal Communities

Legislators thank President Trump and call for further action to revoke existing offshore wind permits and leases that threaten the Gulf of Maine STATE HOUSE – Republican members of Maine’s House and Senate have written a letter to President Donald J. Trump thanking him for taking swift action to protect the Gulf of Maine and…

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New Legislature is in session  

The 132nd Legislature was officially been sworn in December 4 and committee assignments have been made. I will be returning to the Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Committee. I will also again serve as Ranking Member on the Marine Resources Committee. The Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Committee has jurisdiction over the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife;…

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Electricity rates are going up again despite efforts by Republicans to lower them

Earlier this summer, the Maine Public Utilities Commission (PUC) announced electric bills have increased again. Maine’s Public Advocate and legislative Republicans have been warning that this would happen because of the excessive profits paid to solar companies. This past session, I joined with my fellow Republicans, and a handful of Democrats, to try and stop…

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“Veto Day” was the final act of the 131st Legislature

The 131st Legislature held a “Veto Day” and concluded its business on May 10. The general effective date for nonemergency laws passed in the Second Regular Session is Friday, August 9, 2024.The session end included much drama within the Democratic caucus and with Governor Mills. Republicans were there to act on the bills vetoed by…

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The 131st Legislature has adjourned

After meeting for 24-hours straight, the 131st Legislature adjourned April 18, 2024. All that is left is one more legislative day to act on vetoes from Governor Mills.   I am disappointed that this Legislature did almost nothing to address the everyday concerns of Mainers burdened by the rising cost of living. Despite record tax…

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State is spending a shocking amount on temporary housing for asylum seekers

2024 Legislative Session Update with Rep. Jim Thorne House District 35 – Carmel and Hermon The topic of housing is very much on the minds of Mainers struggling to afford homes or affordable rents in this time of every increasing prices. Homeless camps are now present in a growing number of Maine communities, not just…

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We live in a wonderful community!

The Second Regular Session of the 131st Legislature reconvened January 3, 2024. I look forward to 2024 will hope and optimism. I cannot let 2023 go without recognizing one of the many community events that took place this past year on December 16.    There was a great turnout for the ‘Wreaths Across American’ ceremonies…

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Rep. Thorne

Contact Information

Legislative Office: (207) 287-1440

Home Office: (207) 735-5827

Email: Jim.Thorne@legislature.maine.gov

Legislative Address:
2 State House Station, Augusta, ME 04330

Home Address:
458 Irish Road, Carmel, ME 04419

Legislative Service

House: 130, 131,132

Committee Assignment(s)

Rep. Jim Thorne

State Representative, House District 35

Hermon and Carmel
Rep. Thorne

Representative James “Jim” Thorne of Carmel is currently serving his third term representing House District 35, which includes the towns of Hermon and Carmel.  He serves as the Republican Lead on the 132nd Legislature’s Joint Standing Committee on Marine Resources and as a member of the Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Committee. 

Rep. Thorne served 21 years in the United States Air Force from 1983 to 2003.  During his service, he was a logistics officer and recruiter.  Mr. Thorne has spent his career since retiring from the Air Force as an advertising sales manager at Northwoods Sporting Journal and as a Registered Maine Guide.  He stays busy in his community as a member of the American Legion (Post 107), NRA, B.P.O.E. (Elks) #1954, Sportsman’s Alliance of Maine, Bangor Troop Greeters, and the VFW.

Jim and his wife Suzanne reside in Carmel. Jim has two daughters; Tiffany and Jessica, and four grandchildren.  In his free time, Jim enjoys being outdoors, hunting, fishing, playing golf, going up to camp, and playing with his four grandchildren. 

Contact Information

Legislative Office: (207) 287-1440

Home Office: (207) 735-5827

Email: Jim.Thorne@legislature.maine.gov

Legislative Address:
2 State House Station, Augusta, ME 04330

Home Address:
458 Irish Road, Carmel, ME 04419

Legislative Service

House: 130, 131,132

Committee Assignment(s)

Member News

Legislature reconvenes in January, but committee and constituent work continues

The Second Regular Session of the 131st Legislature reconvenes in January 2024. Between now and then, our citizen legislature is focused on constituent work and committee meetings. Since our break in July, legislators have had committee meetings on a number of important topics.  These include: I serve on the Marine Resources and Inland Fisheries and…

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Seniors may be eligible for tax refunds, even if they aren’t required to file Maine tax returns

The Legislature is adjourned until January 2024. Unfortunately, it did so without lowering income taxes, despite voting to spend $10.3 billion of our money. The budget that was passed eliminated the senior property tax stabilization program. Because the budget does not address the needs of all Mainers, especially those struggling to pay bills, I voted…

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Bipartisan work results in long-term funding solution for our transportation network  

The Legislature continued its work in June after adjourning in March, then immediately going into Special Session in order to prevent a Republican backed income tax proposal that would have returned some of the projected surplus to taxpayers by lowering income tax rates. Although I am disappointed that money has not been returned to taxpayers,…

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Memorial Day – May 29, 2023

On Memorial Day we gather together to recognize the sacrifices of veterans, military families, and families of those who made the ultimate sacrifice. This is Representative Jim Thorne of Carmel with the Weekly Republican Radio Address. While many of us find our own unique mark we choose to leave on the world, we should all…

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Bills promoting curriculum transparency and parental rights over their children’s education to have Public Hearings

STATE HOUSE– Falling Maine test scores and increased parental concerns about what their children are learning, or not learning, has led to a number of bills promoting transparency and the rights of parents to have control over their children’s education. These bill will have a Public Hearing before the Education Committee tomorrow. What:  Public Hearings…

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Income tax relief – If not now, when?

State government continues to grow rapidly because it takes in too much money from individuals and families struggling to make ends meet. Many people are hurting because of rising costs for energy, gasoline, food, utilities, and everything else needed to live in Maine.    In January it cost an additional $625 a month more than…

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New Legislature Passed Energy Bill, is Focused on State Budget

On December 7, 2022 members of the 131st Legislature raised their right hand and swore an oath to uphold the Constitution. I again thank those who placed their trust in me over the next two years. I will do my best to represent everyone, regardless of political party or persuasion.  The Legislature is now if…

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Maine House Republicans are in Washington DC to discuss Lobster Industry Issues with U.S. Senator Susan Collins

Federal legislative action will be discussed, along with issues of concern to industry workers and their families NATIONS CAPITOL – Maine House Republicans, led by Leader Rep. Billy Bob Faulkingham, are in Washington D.C. today to meet with U.S. Senator Susan Collins (R-Maine) and others. Lobster industry issues are being discussed, including federal legislative action….

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