Dear Friends,

I’m excited to announce that I am running for re-election in the newly formed Senate District 23. It has been an honor to represent our community (and my hometown of Brunswick) as your State Senator for the past two years. I am proud of our accomplishments, the victories we have worked towards for our area and the entire state.

In my first year in the State Senate I was elected by my colleagues to be the Assistant Senate Majority Leader—making me one of the youngest Senate leaders in our state’s history and our country. The last two years have been a whirlwind but I’m particularly proud of the work we’ve done to protect working Maine families, fully fund our schools, restore revenue sharing, craft a Paid Family and Medical Leave system, and so much more. We did all of this without raising any new taxes and while bringing our state’s rainy day fund to a new record amount. My work on student debt, combating climate change, fully funding our education system, and growing our local food economy is not done.

We are at a tough period in our history. As a small business owner I see every day the rising costs and difficulties we all face. Whether it’s buying supplies, finding staff, or simply just filling the tank, life is harder. The lack of affordable housing in our area is preventing so many of us from being able to stay in thrive in our community. Our wallets are getting stretched further and further, all while many of our civil liberties are threatened by national politics. Despite all of this, I still see so much to be hopefully about when it comes to our area and our state.

We know how lucky we are to call Maine home, either by the chance of birth or the self-determination to find our way here. We love the natural beauty, the incredible artistic and educational resources. We celebrate the oceans, woods, and farms that nourish us, both figuratively and literally. People around the world know our food, outdoors, art, colleges, and brands. We take pride in the innovation and grit that defines us and our neighbors--as well as in our generosity, our willingness to help those in need.

Yet despite all of this, these enviable strengths, I have seen our state struggle to get ahead. Where we should lead as a state, we too often miss our opportunities and fall behind. We have all seen it. I know we can do better. We are poised, not to put forward progressive or conservative ideas, but to work together to make a difference for all Mainers. While in both the House and the Senate, I have worked across the aisle to craft bipartisan coalitions to get things done for our state.

I’ve championed policies that make a difference to our town, our region, and our entire state. On the Education and Cultural Affairs Committee, I authored and passed nationally-recognized bills to reduce student debt and keep young Mainers here, helping to reduce the “brain-drain” that has plagued us for too long. Working with our local farmers, I’ve crafted common-sense legislation to protect and improve our flourishing local food systems. I’ve passed legislation to keep carcinogenic chemicals out of our food, water, and bodies. Whether it’s meaningful tax reform, education funding, supporting our seniors, or economic development, I’ve worked to find solutions that benefit our community. 

I hope I have earned your support and that you will work with me to make a difference for all Mainers. I hope you’ll join our campaign!

Best,