I am Rhiannon Hampson, and I am running to represent Maine House District 43 - as an advocate and champion for making our government truly ‘of the people, by the people, for the people’.

Growing up and living in some of the most rural pockets of the state, I was taught that Mainers work hard, show up when it matters and help where we can. I have had the honor of being everything from “the lunch lady” to “the case manager”, to “the Biden-Harris appointed USDA Rural development State Director” and in each and every one of these roles my job was clear - to be of service, and to make real change, and I’ve done exactly that.

• As the lunch lady at a small Downeast high school with a high rate of food insecurity, I implemented a study hall program where students could earn additional food by helping in the cafeteria - and while there, they received adult support and guidance that was missing for many of them at home. I also helped to create a local food purchasing priority for that institution, supporting Maine farmers.

• As the case manager for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities I advocated for increased access to services and fair banking that would eliminate the need for wasteful “spend downs” so that clients wouldn’t be kicked out of their homes, or lose critical food benefits for having just one single dollar too many. I worked with state legislators to adopt the ABLE act for people here in Maine to benefit from that critical federal authorization.

• During the early days of the pandemic I was honored to serve in Congresswoman Chellie Pingree’s office and on the front lines supporting our communities - collaborating with our State of Maine partners and negotiating with congressional offices and committees to advance the Congresswoman’s efforts to create critical programming included in ARPA, and the CARES Act. I directly advocated for increased financial support for small farmers, specialty crop growers, processors, timber harvesters and haulers, and Maine’s fishermen.

• During that time I worked tirelessly with the State of Maine to help deliver pandemic feeding waivers allowing children to continue accessing critical food and nutrition during the pandemic. And much more.

In December of 2021 I was called to serve as the Presidentially Appointed State Director of USDA, Rural Development, Maine. In that role I led an incredible team of professionals and in addition to delivering the more than 70 standard Rural Development programs, we directly stewarded the Community Facilities Congressionally Directed Spending/Community Project Funding projects. There I worked with Maine’s congressional delegation as a liaison to the USDA national office to navigate challenges and barriers, and to get these projects done. Examples include the Grace Innovation Center in St. George, the Maine Arts Academy in Augusta, and dozens of others.

While at the helm I oversaw more than 1 billion dollars in investments in Maine in the form of affordable housing, renewable energy grants, buildings, equipment and turnout gear for our law enforcement teams, firefighters and first responders.

This is not the time to let things idle or to allow ourselves the luxury of having a divided attention. We have real problems to solve nationally and right here at home, and that is only possible by keeping our focus on the issues that matter, being willing to have tough conversations, and to undertake actions that will create a future that is inclusive and full of opportunity.

We have a governing system in the U.S. that allows states to enjoy a great deal of self determination and it is in those ways that we here in Maine can not only hold the line, but advance opportunities and provide an example for other states.

Like many of you, I have been increasingly upset as we witness a government that is abdicating its duty to the people - refusing to return our tax dollars to us in the form of critical programming and services, operating in service of the corporate billionaire class, abusing our critical law enforcement services and forcing our military into dangerous territory - all in the service of supporting the unconstitutional actions of the few and ignoring the needs of the many.

When we have families and community elders struggling to maintain safe and affordable housing, neighbors going to bed hungry or cold, skyrocketing energy costs that allow shareholders to line their pockets, and the dramatic effects of climate change threatening our livelihoods and our heritage industries - we must act. Our future depends on it.

Our rural hospitals and childcare centers are closing at ever increasing rates, and we’re watching classmates and community members use donation platforms to manage crushing healthcare debt. This is not sustainable.

Accessibility and affordability are equally as critical.

While these issues seem daunting, they are solvable. Together, we can create meaningful solutions through informed public policy - that’s policy for the people. I have spent decades doing exactly that. Showing up and advocating for our most vulnerable community members and a quality of life that is not determined by one’s bank account balance or zip code.

As a multi-generational Navy brat I am proud of the service my family has dedicated to this country, and I have been called to do so as well - my uniform looks different, but the dedication of time, expertise and hard work remains the same.

I look forward to having productive and respectful conversations, to hearing your ideas for solutions, and to representing us in Augusta where I will turn our ideas into actions.