Melissa Simpson

Melissa Simpson is an at-large member of the Sanford Public Schools school board in Maine. Her current term ends in 2028.

Simpson (Republican Party) is running for election to the Maine House of Representatives to represent District 143. She is on the ballot in the general election on November 3, 2026.[source]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

My key message is for each of you to ask questions and get involved. I am here to listen and help.

Who am I? I am Melissa Simpson, a hardworking dedicated community member who believes in service, responsibility, and standing up for what is right. Raised with an appreciation for civic duty, for our country and the people. My father, grandfathers, and uncles proudly served in the United States military, instilling in me the values of honor, sacrifice, patriotism and putting others before oneself. Those values continue to guide and inspire me today.

I moved to southern Maine from Presque Isle nearly 20 years ago. Rooting my family in Sanford, my service began by getting involved with the PTA and coaching soccer. Then I joined Strategies for a Stronger Sanford, volunteering with Stuff the Bus, becoming Vice President of the Legacy foundation. Helping the community is how I have made many connections with the great people that live here.

I am currently serving my 4th year as an elected School Committee Member and with my involvement I know first hand how hard our community works to make Sanford a better place. I have been blessed to work alongside some of the most inspiring people and we are proof that we are stronger together.

In this campaign my goal is to continue with my people first approach to make a difference and I hope to continue standing up for Sanford while serving the community that I love and represent.

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?

Affordability: My Plan is to Fight for Financial responsibility. Maine has become unaffordable. We are currently ranking among the highest states in overall taxation nationally. Our Seniors, Veterans, and Families are struggling. With the increased regulations and subsidies Mainers can not afford to live, work or raise their families here. People will continue to be forced to relocate out of Maine. We need to protect our core services and ensure new spending is necessary and sustainable while focusing on financial transparency and accountability. Increasing the homestead exemption, creating more job opportunities and reducing regulations that have caused instability are a few solutions to the tax burden.Accountability: Spending increases: Additional $118 million in Mainecare, $2 million in General Assistance, $2.5 million increase in SNAP and $20 million to continue "free" community college. Tax changes tobacco tax $2-$3.50 per pack, cannabis increase 10%-14%, NEW 5.5% streaming tax, New paint tac, increase to licensing fees. These one year increases are not sustainable. I often say the solution is often simple not easy and the easy fix does not always solve the long term problem. We can not nickel and dime our hard working citizens here in Maine. The increased subsidies and spending comes from Mainers one way or another and forces people and businesses to leave.Open Communication and Transparency: My goal as representative is to bring people together around practical solutions, common sense policies and a shared commitment to benefit Sanford and Maine's future. I believe the government works best when it listens to the people it serves. Our goals must be focused on the Long term impacts and effects of our policies. Decision making must be sustainable and data driven to ensure we are providing a better future that will help our communities for generations to come. I am dedicated to you and will be reliable, available, and I will listen to your thoughts, concerns, and solutions. Together we can make a positive lasting impact.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

State Operations, Housing and Economy. With my experience on the school committee and concern about public safety I have a passion to continue making a positive impact for the future generations of Maine. I believe that our youth is the heart and soul of our state and I am passionate about their education and the environment they grow up in. With my real estate background, history of handling a complex school budgets, and concern about the decline in local workforce opportunities. I would love to be involved in the committee that creates and understands policies that will promote economic growth, work to correct the housing shortage and help create long term economic stability. I am passionate about making an impact for our state.