Andrea LaFlamme

Andrea LaFlamme graduated from Central High School. She earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Maine in 2010 and a graduate degree from the University of New England in 2012. Her career experience includes working as an adjunct professor.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am a respected educator and statewide union leader with a history of promoting health, women’s rights, and social justice. I am a public health and policy expert with strong connections to rural Maine, the military, and an appreciation for the environment and Maine way of life.

My story begins as a child growing up in Corinth, one of the most conservative regions of the

state. I come from a low-income union family with my mother working at the local post office

and my father working as a master plumbing and heating technician following his service in the

Marine Corps. While relying on low-income assistance programs ourselves, my parents always encouraged my brother and I to give what we could to those in need. The tenets of service, hard work, ingenuity, and self-reliance served as the foundation of my upbringing.

I graduated as salutatorian from Central High School and went on to study nutrition with a minor in pre-med at the University of Maine. Following my time at UMaine, I earned my Master's degree in Public Health from the University of New England.

I've spent decades working in municipal government, non-profit community work, and education. For the last twelve years I’ve worked as a professor in nutrition and public health teaching courses in Health Economics and Policy, Women’s Health and the Environment, Health Equity, Social Determinants of Health, and Community and Cultural Competency.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

I volunteered for this race. Washington consultants didn't come knocking on my door asking me to run and Chuck Schumer has definitely never called me. I'm really tired of Washington insiders trying to put their thumb on the political scale here in Maine. I don't want them handpicking candidates who support their agendas; I want Maine to be lead by people like me--people who stand up and want to make a difference in the lives on Mainers.My education and experience really sets me apart from the other candidates. We have enough lawyers and businesspeople in Washington. I think it's time that we have more teachers and health professionals who truly represent the working class in DC. My work as a teacher and expertise in public health put me in a unique position to serve as a leader in the Senate to really champion policies focused on the health and safety of our communities.I am the only elected leader in this race. I'm currently in my second term as chapter president with MSEA-SEIU Local 1989 where I represent adjunct professors at all of Maine's community colleges. I am the only candidate currently paying dues to a union. I have a long history of supporting workers' rights, advocating for benefits, and negotiating contracts on behalf of teachers. Just last year I worked to negotiate a new contracts for our members, which included 4% annual raises, a difficult feat in today's education climate.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Medicare for All and strengthening our public health network so we can treat injury today and prevent illness tomorrow.

Abortion is healthcare.

Trans rights are human rights.

Increasing the minimum wage to reflect a true living wage.

Taxing billionaires to fund social programs and infrastructure improvements.

Prison reform: people shouldn’t be getting rich from the incarceration of others and inmates should not be used as slave labor.

Ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment: all people should have equal rights under the law.

Abolish ICE.

Tribal sovereignty.

Expanding resources for our service members, veterans, and their families.

Supporting the Green New Deal

Increasing protection and support for our National Parks system

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Citizens' Impeachment