OXFORD — Longtime Oxford resident Diane Jackson, 59, has announced she will run for the Oxford County commissioner seat held by her husband, Caldwell “Caldie” Jackson.

Caldwell Jackson, the current chairman and a two-term commissioner, is unable to seek re-election due to his position with the state.

The announcement sets up a two-way race between Jackson and Buckfield Democrat Terry Hayes, who made her announcement in February, for the four-year Oxford County’s District 3 seat. The district includes the towns of Buckfield, Hebron, Oxford, Otisfield, Paris, West Paris, Woodstock, Hartford and Sumner. 

“With the full support and encouragement of my family, I am excited to take on this new challenge,” Jackson said in her announcement.

Caldwell Jackson had intended to run for re-election, but in early March, he announced he would not because his position as economic development specialist in the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry prohibits him from seeking elected office as a member of a political party.

Jackson said at the time that his wife would be seeking signatures to be placed on the ballot as a candidate.

Diane Jackson, who grew up in Otisfield and graduated from Oxford Hills High School, served more than 10 years as a regional representative for former U.S. Sen. Olympia Snowe just prior to the senator’s retirement in 2012.

Jackson is director of special projects and community relations for Argo Marketing Group, a widely recognized and successful customer engagement center with corporate headquarters in Lewiston.

As regional representative, Jackson managed one of Snowe’s six regional district offices, covering Oxford, Androscoggin and Franklin counties. She worked with local officials, as well and state and federal representatives and agencies to address issues of importance to constituents.

“It was truly an honor to work with the citizens and local officials on behalf of Sen. Snowe,” Jackson said in her announcement. “I found it incredibly rewarding to assist my fellow Mainers as they sought help navigating the complex federal bureaucracy to ensure that much-deserved services and assistance were delivered in a timely and effective manner.”

Although this is Jackson’s first bid for public office, she said in her statement that her years of experience at the state and federal levels will be put into action on behalf of the residents of Oxford County.

“I have always had a deeply-rooted sense of pride and commitment to Oxford County, and I look forward to waging a vigorous campaign in the months ahead to earn the support of friends and neighbors throughout District 3,” Jackson said in her announcement. “I am humbled by this opportunity and welcome the chance to make a difference as county commissioner.”

The Jacksons have been married 38 years and have three adult daughters and six grandchildren.

ldixon@sunjournal.com