SKOWHEGAN – Jeffrey M. McCabe, well known in local political circles, handily defeated Mitchell S. Snowman to win the Democratic nomination for the District 85 House seat, which represents the town of Skowhegan.

McCabe garnered 295 votes to Snowman’s 42.

In an interview with the Bangor Daily News last month, McCabe, 30, said he believes that Skowhegan has a unique location and role as a tourist destination.

“There is a lot of potential here,” he said. “In the past, I have worked closely with the Department of Agriculture, Department of Environmental Protection and the Department of Conservation. I will not pretend to know the inner workings of Augusta, but I have a lot of energy and I am a quick learner.”

“I feel the state could do more to promote the Skowhegan area, everything from health care to jobs, to energy issues. There is a lot of opportunity for expansion of ‘green-collar’ jobs here. It’s a grass-roots economy and there is so much room for expansion of a tourism-based economy.”

McCabe is married with a young daughter and a baby on the way. He is employed at Lake George Regional Park and was formerly with the Somerset County Soil and Water Conservation District. He is also a member of the Skowhegan planning board and budget committee and has been active in many town events.

Snowman ran on a platform of representing all Skowhegan residents, regardless of party affiliation.

In the November election, McCabe will face Republican nominee Donna Finley, who had no primary opponent.