I’ve known Chip Curry since I was a young kid; from Church, to local theater, he was always a prominent member of my community. There is no doubt Chip is the man for the Senate Seat to keep representing my home city of Belfast and the rest of Waldo County.

His dedication to ensuring high-quality education in rural Maine means the most to me. As a community college student and the son of two local teachers, I’ve benefited directly from Chip’s work. With Senator Curry’s help, Maine passed the long-overdue budget bill, ensuring the education we all deserve does not come with the trade-off of rising taxes. My mom is an instructor at the Waldo County Tech Center; it means a lot that Chip respects the importance of trade skills in the modern economy and pushes for higher funding in tech center programs.

His policies have proved a steady rock in the otherwise traditionally volatile rural education system. His responsible and caring presence is refreshing in our current political landscape; he cares deeply about this community and only passes legislation that helps Maine grow.

Being a young voter in 2026 is daunting; it feels like we’re being pulled every which way and can no longer trust the members in government. Then there are politicians like Chip, who listen to the concerns of the youth and stand as a role model for honesty and integrity. That’s why Chip Curry has my vote for the Maine Senate, and he should have yours, too.

Oliver Howard lives in Belfast