About the Candidate
Son of a logger and teacher; father of two; union member. Served as Bernie Sanders’ 2016 Maine political director; Aroostook County Action Program, Maine AllCare, Fish River Rural Health boards.
Education
Graduate of Allagash Consolidated School and the University of Maine at Fort Kent.
Previous campaigns and elected office(s) held
Offices held: Maine Senate President, 2018-2024; Senate Democratic Leader, 2016-2018; Senate Majority Leader, 2014; Assistant Senate Majority Leader, 2013; Maine state senator, 2008-2012; Maine state representative, 2002-2008. Ran in 2014 Democratic primary for U.S. House District 2 (lost).
Why are you running?
I’m running for governor because the status quo isn’t working. I’m tired of laws that aren’t enforced. I’m tired of good bills getting vetoed — like bills to help lower prescription drug costs, protect workers, stop the spraying of harmful chemicals and restore tribal sovereignty. I’m tired of folks being told to hold on, wait a little longer or that they’re asking for too much. I’m running because it’s time to put power back in the hands of the people.
Top three priorities
1. Establish a Department of Housing Affordability to deliver property tax relief, especially for seniors, stop Wall Street from buying up Maine; protect/repair existing housing; accelerate construction and cut red tape. 2. Free childcare for Maine working families earning up to 125% of state median income; cap costs for families earning above the threshold. 3. Lowering healthcare costs by reining in prescription drug prices, implementing a statewide healthcare plan and clamping down on private equity.
If you could change one thing about how Augusta functions, what would it be and why?
I would make it more accessible to working people all across the state. The State House is dominated by those who can afford to show up. It’s why even if you are able to get something as important as tribal sovereignty or prescription drug reform on the governor’s desk, special interests, high-priced lobbyists and the wealthy elite can pressure the governor to veto a bill. As governor, my administration will spend two weekends a month in different counties. We’ll bring Augusta to the people.
What is one policy area where you disagree with the consensus of most in your party?
The Democratic Party has lost the trust of the working class, and we’re all paying the price. Trump is the worst thing to happen to this country, but he tapped into decades of rage from both parties selling out the working class. We’ve had a decade of Trump and the Democratic Party still hasn’t figured out that economic populism is the only way to regain the trust of the American people.
What is one issue on which you’d be willing to compromise with the other party’s leaders in Augusta?
As Senate President, I brought Republicans to the table whenever possible without compromising my values. I secured bipartisan votes on my bills to ban aerial herbicide spraying, make historic investments in childcare, pass universal school meals and save rural Maine Veterans’ Homes. Going forward, I think we could find common ground on policies around creating good-paying Maine jobs right here. I also think there are opportunities around property tax relief, childcare and nursing homes.