Hannah Pingree believes that government and its officials should be transparent, responsive, and accountable to its citizens. In return, she constantly is urging her constituents to take part in the process and to reciprocate by letting her know exactly what they think, what is working, and what needs to be changed. Pingree very much believes in a back-and-forth relationship with the people she represents.

What Makes Hannah an Extraordinary, Visionary Leader?

Hannah believes in successful leadership that gives people hope for the future by employing innovative approaches that equate to positive solutions. Her direct focus is on improving the lives of middle class Americans, which in turn, redefines our commitment to the common good. She is a clean election candidate, and draws all her support from her PAC, the Pingree Leadership Fund.

Pingree believes it is vital to the state of Maine and progressives throughout the United States that Maine’s House stay in Democratic Hands. With her precise vision for public policy and keen intellect for domestic issues, Hannah is an extraordinary candidate for House Majority Leader.

As Chairwoman of Maine’s House Health Committee and the Vice-Chair of the National Conference of State Legislatures’ Health Committee, Hannah Pingree has been the gatekeeper of ensuring available health programming and savings for individuals in need. She is also a proud sponsor of many bills, including a required paper trail for voting machines, a program to increase rural internet and cell access in Maine, the usage of wind power among the islands, and she continues to fight very hard for Dirigo Health Program.

Hannah is currently working hard to close the housing gap in Maine by proposing an increase in Maine’s real estate transfer tax for properties over $400,000, which will support serious investments in affordable housing. She has worked for a minimum wage increase and for assisted access to higher education for low-income Mainers.

Background

Hannah Pingree grew up on the island of North Haven and is now serving in her second term in the Maine House of Representatives, representing ten coastal and island towns in Knox and Hancock County. In her first term in the Maine House, she served as a member of the Joint Committee on Appropriations and Financial Affairs and now in her second term she has been appointed as the House Chair of the Joint Committee on Health and Human Services.

Prior to serving in the Maine Legislature, she was a fundraiser for the U.S. Senate campaign of Chellie Pingree, her mom. She also worked for two years in New York City as the political director and “Election 2000” producer for iVillage.com, the largest political web site for women. In addition to serving in the Legislature, Hannah works as the development director for Waterman’s Community Center on North Haven. She also serves as a board member for Midcoast Mental Health, as the legislative representative for the Zone C Lobster Council, as the co-chair of the “Midcoast Magnet” creative economy initiative, and as a member of the State Work Action Tactics Team.

Hannah was raised on the island of North Haven and was an honors graduate of North Haven Community School, Brown University, and was chosen as a 1998-99 Fellow for Leadership in Public Affairs for the Coro Foundation in New York City.

In the Legislature she represents 10 islands and coastal towns including her hometown of North Haven, Vinalhaven, Isle Au Haut, Deer Isle, Stonington, Brooklin, Tremont, part of Mount Desert, Frenchboro, and Swan’s Island.

Race Facts

Race Type: Democratic Incumbent
Primary Opponent: None
Primary Date: June 13, 2006
Primary Election Results: Won Primary
General Opponent: Seth G. Joy
General Election Date: November 7, 2006
General Election Results: Won, 71 – 29 percent