About the Candidate
Attorney, economist and public health leader; former Director of the Illinois Department of Public Health, former Director of the Maine CDC and former Principal Deputy Director of the U.S. CDC.
Education
B.S. from University of Louisville, J.D., M.D. from University of Chicago
Previous campaigns and elected office(s) held
None.
Why are you running?
I’m running for governor because Mainers deserve leadership that shows up, listens and delivers real results. I’ve traveled across the state hearing about rising costs, housing that’s out of reach and a healthcare system that’s too expensive and too hard to access. I’m running to feed kids, fix housing, fund our healthcare system, fuel the growth of our economy and to safeguard Maine from the Trump administration.
Top three priorities
My top priorities are lowering costs and delivering results in people’s daily lives. 1. Tackling the housing crisis by building more affordable homes at scale and supporting first-time homebuyers. 2. Making healthcare more affordable by capping out-of-pocket costs and lowering prescription drug prices so no one has to choose between care and their bills. 3. Safeguarding Maine from the threats of Donald Trump’s extremist agenda that harms Maine communities.
If you could change one thing about how Augusta functions, what would it be and why?
I often say, “I’m nobody that nobody sent,” meaning I’m beholden to no one. If I could change one thing about Augusta, it would be the culture of deference to the status quo and entrenched interests that too often stymie progress. Mainers deserve leadership willing to ask hard questions, challenge outdated ways of doing things and put results ahead of politics. That’s how we deliver real change and restore trust in government.
What is one policy area where you disagree with the consensus of most in your party?
For too long, the Democratic Party has gotten bogged down in process and paperwork, and, as a result, we didn’t build enough. Roads weren’t completed, infrastructure wasn’t modernized, homes weren’t built and costs rose. This is a crucial moment. We need a Democratic Party that builds things, creates jobs and drives progress. We can’t be the party of paperwork. We have to be the party that delivers for working people on the issues they care about most.
What is one issue on which you’d be willing to compromise with the other party’s leaders in Augusta?
Affordability. If people have good ideas to lower costs, build housing and make life more affordable, I’ll listen, no matter what party they come from. The affordability crisis is too urgent for us to sit on the sidelines or get caught up in politics. Mainers expect results, not excuses. I’m willing to work with anyone, Democrat or Republican, who is serious about bringing down costs and delivering real solutions for families across our state.