Adam Cote (born March 24th, 1973) is a Portland, Maine lawyer and a Democratic candidate for the United States Congress in Maine's First congressional district.

Childhood and Education:

Adam was born and raised in Springvale, Maine (a village within Sanford, Maine). After graduating from Sanford High School, Adam attended Colby College in Waterville, graduating with Honors with a degree in International Studies. At Colby, he was president of the Colby Debate Team and a standout football and baseball player.

Military Service:

After having graduated from Colby College, Adam enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserves as a military policeman. Adam was deployed to Bosnia-Herzegovina as part of the NATO peacekeeping mission, Operation Joint Guard where he served from October 1997 until April 1998. In Bosnia, Adam was involved in apprehending several war criminals wanted by the Hague. In addition to his military duties, Adam organized a "Toys for Tots" program in his platoon to distribute toys and stuffed animals to the children of Bosnia ravaged by war, and he volunteered to teach English at a Bosnian High School.

Following law school and the start of a career as an attorney, Adam was redeployed to serve in Iraq as a platoon leader with Maine’s 133rd Engineer Battalion. He led over 100 convoys in Iraq and was also in charge of multiple reconstruction efforts, including building schools and medical clinics. Adam was in the mess hall on the U.S. base in Mosul on December 21, 2004 when a suicide bomber walked in and blew himself up, killing or wounding over one hundred soldiers and civilians. Adam was awarded an Army Commendation Medal for his leadership during the attack. While in Iraq, Adam also created and spearheaded the "Adopt an Iraqi Village" program to distribute school supplies, kitchen and household items, toys, clothes and blankets to destitute Iraqis. Adam returned from Iraq in March 2005.

Career and Public Service:

Between stints in Bosnia and Iraq, Adam received his law degree cum laude from the University of Maine School of Law, where he was Articles Editor of the Maine Law Review. After passing the bar exam, Adam began practicing law at Pierce Atwood LLP in Portland. Adam's practice has focused on domestic and international energy related law and policy as well as real estate law. Domestically, Adam has advised Maine businesses on State and Federal energy related matters, with a particular focus on renewable energy. He has also assisted Maine businesses with real estate related matters. Internationally, Adam has worked in Albania, Bosnia and Croatia, assisting those countries on restructuring their energy sectors.

Adam is currently one of only three Mainers serving as a member of the National Advisory Council for the Small Business Administration. He is a regular guest speaker at numerous Maine schools where he gives a speech entitled "The Top Ten Things I Wish I knew when I was in High School." He also serves as a member of the Maine Real Estate Developers Association legislative committee, the Greater Portland Board of Advisors for the Salvation Army, the Maine Bar Association Community and Public Relations Committee, and the Colby College Alumni Council.

Adam is the founding member and current president of the Maine Young Democrats, an affiliate of the Young Democrats of America. He previously served as a Town Meeting Member in Sanford.

Marriage and Personal Life:

Adam and his wife, Paulina, have been married for six years. Adam and Paulina were engaged soon after Adam returned from Bosnia and married in Sanford on July 24, 1999. The couple moved to Portland in 2001 where they currently reside. Adam has two daughters: 3 year old Ana Grace Cote and 1 year old Audrey Elizabeth Cote. The Cote's are expecting their third child in August 2007. Paulina taught high school Spanish in Sanford and Yarmouth for several years. She received her Bachelor's degree from Florida State University and her Master's degree from Middlebury College.

Congressional Campaign:

On May 11, 2007 Adam announced his candidacy for US Congress in Maine's First Congressional District to replace outgoing Congressman Tom Allen who has decided to challenge Susan Collins for the US Senate. In doing so, he has joined a group of candidates seeking the democratic nomination that now includes former US Senate Candidates Chellie Pingree and Mark Lawrence, former State Senate Majority Leader Michael Brennan, likely candidate State Senator Ethan Strimling, and possible Candidate Portland City Councilwoman Jill Duson.