In January 2012, Kaenrath announced his candidacy for the Maine Senate District 7. Cynthia Dill vacated the seat in order to run for the United States Senate.[2] Kaenrath lost the Democratic primary to Rebecca Millett but was chosen as a replacement candidate for his former house seat, which he won re-election to for a fourth time. He was unable to seek re-election in 2014 due to term-limits and was replaced by his 2012 opponent, Republican Kevin Battle.
In July 2015, Kaenrath became the town manager of Gouldsboro, Maine,[3] and he served for almost three years. In March 2018, he became the town administrator of North Hampton, New Hampshire.[4] As of January 1, 2020, Kaenrath is the City Administrator of Saco, Maine.[5]