Jessica Blanchard

Jessica Blanchard earned a bachelor's degree from Eastern Connecticut State University in 2004. She earned a graduate degree from Southern New Hampshire University in 2018. Her career experience includes working as a nonprofit professional.[1]

Jessica Blanchard has not yet completed [the profile publisher]'s 2026 Candidate Connection survey.

Send a message to Jessica Blanchard asking her to fill out the survey.

If you are Jessica Blanchard, click here to fill out [the profile publisher]'s 2026 Candidate Connection survey.

Who fills out the candidate survey?

Any candidate running for elected office, at any level, can complete [the profile publisher]'s Candidate Survey. Completing the survey will update the candidate's [the profile publisher] profile, letting voters know who they are and what they stand for.  More than 32,000 candidates have taken [the profile publisher]'s candidate survey since we launched it in 2015. Learn more about the survey here.

You can ask Jessica Blanchard to fill out this survey by using the button below or emailing jessica@blanchardformehouse.com.

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Raised in a close-knit family in a historic mill town, I treasure the time spent with my grandparents, members of the Greatest Generation. Their emphasis on service, personal responsibility, and resilience shaped my life and work.

​

My mother's parents, a nurse's aide and a union worker, cared for me while my parents worked. My father's parents owned a local supermarket and were pillars of our community. My father, a contractor, exposed me to the world of skilled labor, and many long summer days spent on job sites with him fostered my own strong work ethic. These experiences with family and community continue to guide me.

​

When my four children were young, I owned a home-based childcare center. This firsthand understanding of early childhood education fueled my advocacy efforts for better services and support. It also sparked a passion for training and facilitation, which I've applied in nonprofit and business roles over the last 20 years.

​

Currently, I serve as the Director of Training at Good Will Hinckley. I hold two BAs in sociology and public policy, and a master’s in organizational leadership. My husband Rob and I reside in Palmyra. Outside work, I enjoy time outdoors with my family, dogs, and chickens, along with reading and attending thought-provoking events. I volunteer with the Big Brother Big Sisters of Central Maine and the Waterville Opera House.

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 believe as Americans, we have a profound responsibility to uphold and protect the core values that define our democracy. It’s not enough to enjoy the freedoms that democracy provides; we must actively participate in safeguarding those freedoms for all. This means standing up for our constitutional rights, even when it feels unpopular. True leadership requires us to rise above fear-based politics, reject personal attacks, and focus on the issues that matter to our communities.

Our democracy depends on each of us to be engaged, and willing to defend not just our own rights, but the rights of others. We must reject the temptation to tear each other down and instead work towards solutions that strengthen our society.I believe that reproductive freedom is fundamental to individual autonomy and personal dignity. The decisions we make about our bodies, health, and futures should remain in the hands of individuals, not government officials. It is essential to protect the right to access comprehensive healthcare, including reproductive services, without political interference. Every person deserves the right to make informed choices about their health and well-being, and this includes the right to decide if, when, and how to start a family.We are facing a mental health crisis, worsened by the pandemic, especially among children and young adults. Many working families are feeling the strain, as they navigate the pressures of modern life with limited support. Parents, in particular, often find themselves overwhelmed. To truly address this, we need a comprehensive mental health system and more investment in growing the workforce through job training, fair wages, and incentives. Families can’t do this alone—our society must evolve to provide the support they need to thrive.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Protecting Reproductive Freedom

Expanding Affordable Housing & Home Ownership

Increasing the Supply of Affordable Childcare

Expanding Workforce Training & Higher Education Opportunities

Expanding Access & Support for Mental Health Services

Protecting our Natural Resources

Transparency and accountability in Government

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

As Americans, we bear the responsibility to uphold and protect our democracy. This requires more than enjoying the rights it affords—it demands active participation in preserving them for everyone. To do this, our leaders must embody the highest standards of integrity and courage, ensuring that trust between public officials and the people they serve is maintained.

Integrity is the foundation of effective leadership. Elected officials must do what is right, even when it is difficult or politically inconvenient. In an era of growing public mistrust, integrity is essential to restoring faith in government. Courage is equally important; leaders must be willing to make hard decisions, defend constitutional rights, and focus on meaningful policies, even in the face of personal attacks or political opposition.

Leaders must also have empathy and remain accountable. Empathy helps them connect with the struggles of working families and address systemic issues like housing affordability, healthcare disparities, and the broken mental health system. Accountability ensures they are transparent and responsive to the people they represent.

Vision is critical for addressing both immediate needs and long-term challenges. Leaders should advocate for coordinated approaches to issues like workforce shortages and affordable housing, aligning resources across state and local governments. They should also champion fair tax policies that support working families and seniors while investing in economic growth and opportunity.

Finally, leaders must uphold justice and equality, fighting for policies that protect reproductive freedom, prevent gun violence, and ensure every voice is heard. Supporting voting rights, fair housing, and racial justice must be central to their vision for a fairer and more equitable society.

True democracy requires all of us to hold our leaders accountable, demanding courage, integrity, and accountability in every decision they make.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

I believe my commitment to the ideals of democracy, along with my integrity, courage, and empathy, positions me well to be an effective officeholder.

First and foremost, I am deeply committed to the principles of democracy, including the importance of participation, accountability, and the protection of rights for all individuals. I understand that a thriving democracy relies on active engagement and a shared responsibility to uphold our values. This commitment drives me to advocate for policies that benefit working families and ensure that every voice is heard, especially those who have been historically marginalized.

Integrity is another cornerstone of my approach to leadership. I believe that trust is foundational in public service, and I am dedicated to being transparent and honest in all my dealings. Upholding ethical standards is crucial, and I strive to set an example by making decisions that reflect my values and the needs of my constituents, even when faced with difficult choices.

Courage is essential in politics, particularly when navigating contentious issues or standing up to powerful interests. I am prepared to confront challenges head-on, advocate for common-sense policies, and engage in difficult conversations. This willingness to face adversity is vital to driving meaningful change and ensuring that our democratic processes remain strong and effective.

Finally, empathy is at the heart of my commitment to public service. I recognize that understanding the experiences and struggles of my constituents is essential to representing them effectively. I strive to connect with individuals from diverse backgrounds, listen to their concerns, and translate those insights into actionable policies. By fostering a compassionate approach to leadership, I aim to build a more inclusive and supportive community.

If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

If I could choose to be any fictional character, I would want to be Ayla from the Earth’s Children series. Ayla embodies resilience, intelligence, and adaptability, qualities that deeply resonate with me.

Set in a prehistoric world, Ayla faces incredible challenges, from navigating her identity as an outsider in the Clan to overcoming personal and societal obstacles. Her journey showcases the power of perseverance in the face of adversity. I admire her ability to learn from her surroundings, develop survival skills, and innovate solutions to complex problems, demonstrating that knowledge and adaptability are essential for overcoming life’s challenges.

Ayla’s strong sense of empathy and connection to others is another reason I find her compelling. She forms deep bonds with those around her, including both her Clan and the Cro-Magnons, and she uses her understanding of their perspectives to bridge gaps between cultures. This quality mirrors my belief in the importance of compassion and understanding in building relationships and fostering community.

Moreover, Ayla’s journey of self-discovery and empowerment is inspiring. She is unafraid to challenge the norms of her time and assert her individuality, which reflects the value I place on authenticity and courage. Through her experiences, she teaches us that embracing our uniqueness and standing up for ourselves can lead to personal growth and transformative change.

In sum, Ayla represents the strength of the human spirit, the importance of empathy, and the power of resilience. I would aspire to embody her qualities in my own life, navigating challenges with determination while remaining connected to those around me.

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

One of the most significant struggles in my life has been navigating my son’s battle with severe Crohn’s disease, which he was diagnosed with as a teenager. As a parent, it is incredibly painful to watch your child suffer from a chronic illness. The physical pain he endures is compounded by the emotional toll it takes on our family.

Supporting him through this journey has required a delicate balance. I want to ensure he receives the care he needs while also encouraging him to advocate for himself and make his own healthcare decisions. Empowering him to take charge of his health is essential, but it can be challenging when I see him in pain or when we encounter the complexities of the healthcare system. This experience has taught me the importance of communication, resilience, and fostering independence in the face of adversity.

I am incredibly grateful for our health insurance, as it alleviates some of the financial burdens that often accompany chronic illness. However, I also recognize that my son’s life will always be more challenging than his siblings’. He must continuously balance his health needs while navigating our complex healthcare system, which brings a unique set of challenges and pressures that impact his sense of normalcy and well-being.

This struggle has profoundly shaped my perspective on healthcare and advocacy. It fuels my commitment to fighting for policies that ensure access to quality care for all individuals, especially those facing chronic illnesses. Ultimately, my son’s journey inspires me to advocate not only for his needs but also for those of other families navigating similar challenges.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Maine Planned Parenthood Action Fund

Maine Education Association

Maine AFL-CIO

Defend Our Health