I am Rhiannon Hampson, of Thomaston, and I am running as a Democrat to represent Maine House District 43 (Thomaston, South Thomaston, St. George, Cushing, and part of Owls Head). 

Along with my husband, Gregg, I co-own Grace Pond Farm,an organic dairy and pastured livestock farm in Thomaston. I also work off-farm fulltime on heritage industry and rural policy, currently serving as theVice President for Economic Development at the Gulf of Maine Research Institute.

Growing up and living in some of the most rural pockets of the state, I was taught that Mainers work hard, show up when it matters and help where we can. I’ve had the honor of being everything from a lunch lady, case manager, District Representative and member of Congresswoman Pingree’s policy team, and the Biden-Harris appointed USDA Rural development State Director.

In each and every one of these roles my job was clear — to be of service, and to make real change.

As a multi-generational Navy brat I am incredibly proud of the service my family has dedicated to this country and feel called to serve, as well. My uniform looks different, but the dedication of time, expertise and hard work remains the same. I look forward to having productive and respectful conversations, to hearing your ideas for solutions, and to representing us in Augusta where I will turn our ideas into actions.

As a school nutrition professional at a small Down East high school with a high rate of food insecurity, I implemented a study hall program where students could earn additional food by helping in the cafeteria — and while there, they received adult support and guidance that was missing for many of them at home. I also led a local food purchasing priority for that institution, supporting Maine’s farmers. 

As the case manager for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, I advocated for increased access to services and fair banking that would eliminate the need for wasteful “spend downs” so that clients wouldn’t be kicked out of their homes or lose critical food benefits for having just one single dollar too many. I worked with state legislators to implement the ABLE accounts for people here in Maine to benefit from that critical federal authorization. 

During the early days of the pandemic I served on the front lines to support our communities, collaborating with our State of Maine partners, negotiating with Congressional offices and committees to advance Congresswoman Pingree’s efforts to create critical programming included in ARPA, and the CARES Act.

I worked tirelessly with the State of Maine to help deliver feeding waivers issued by USDA, allowing children to continue accessing critical food and nutrition during the crisis. 

I advocated for increased emergency support for small farmers, specialty crop growers, processors, timber harvesters and haulers, and Maine’s fishermen. At the same time, we fed our community. When the grocery store shelves were empty, Grace Pond Farm was there working tirelessly and quickly to make sure our neighbors could access healthy, local food.

In December 2021, I was called to serve as the Presidentially AppointedState Director of USDA, Rural Development, Maine. In that role I led an incredible team of professionals to deliver for people across the state.

While stewarding the Community Facilities Congressionally Directed Spending/Community Project Funds, I oversaw critical community infrastructure ,such as the St. George Grace Innovation Center and the Maine Arts Academy. 

I decided to run because I know that we have real problems to solve right here at home, and that is only possible by keeping our focus on the issues that matter, being willing to have tough conversations, and taking action that will create a future that is inclusive and full of opportunity. 

While the issues we face seem daunting, they are solvable. Ibelievethat we can create meaningful solutions through informed public policy — that’s policy for the people. I have spent the past decade doing exactly that. Showing up and advocating for our most vulnerable community members to create access to fair banking and healthy local food, supporting our heritage industries by helping to bring federal dollars home to Maine, creating energy solutions that work for all, targeting unfair regulations that prevent folks from accessing affordable housing and much more.

I look forward to earning the votes of my HD 43 neighbors.