BANGOR — Among the candidates seeking Maine’s Second Congressional District is Adrienne Bennett — a businesswoman and Waldo County native. 

Bennett, 40, who said in a news release that she endured a rugged childhood of rural poverty in Troy, including the lack of indoor plumbing, said in a candidacy announcement: “Since I was a child, my only choice was to work hard. It built character and a strong work ethic, which became a way of life. When I was putting myself through college, I focused on creating a better future for myself and my family. And when I rose through the ranks in TV news and served as spokeswoman for Governor Paul LePage, hard work was my recipe for success.”

Bennett was raised by a single mother in Waldo County who left her before high school graduation.

The “harsh reality of her childhood made Bennett stronger” and she finished school on her own, completing her studies at the University of Maine at Orono and New England School of Communications, paying her own way, the release said.

After graduating from college and working in the news industry, in 2010, Bennett accepted an offer from then Governor-Elect Paul R. LePage to serve as his press secretary.

Bennett said of her time with LePage: “It was an honor to work on a team that got so much done for the people of Maine. I’m proud of our work reforming welfare, paying off the hospital debt, and cutting taxes and regulations.”

Today, Bennett, a resident of Bangor and a realtor, continues to support conservative values and President Donald J. Trump.

In 2016, she coordinated then Presidential nominee Trump’s inaugural visit to Portland, Maine. She supports his efforts to tighten our immigration system, secure America’s border, and improve rural infrastructure.

Of her decision to run for Maine’s Second Congressional District seat, Bennett said: “I love Maine and America, and right now many politicians and elites are trying to transform our state and country into something we don’t recognize and we don’t want. I will support our workers and small businesses, protect our trade, defend our borders, follow our Constitution, honor our history and flag, and uphold our traditional conservative values. The people of Maine's Second District helped to elect President Trump and want a representative in Congress who enthusiastically supports and promotes his America-First agenda.”

Bennett has a daughter, Katelin, who is currently studying business at Southern Maine Community College.

Maine’s Second Congressional District encompasses the entire portion of the state north of Portland and Augusta. All of Androscoggin, Aroostook, Franklin, Hancock, Oxford, Penobscot, Piscataquis, Somerset, Waldo, and Washington counties and a part of Kennebec County are included in the district.

For more information, visit Adrienne2020.com.