BELFAST — Belfast Republican Matt Digioia has formally announced plans to penbaypilot.com to run for House District 97, which includes Belfast, Northport and Waldo. 

Digioia, a recovering addict himself, said in a news release he would focus on the state’s drug crisis and ways to get people struggling with addiction back on the right track.

“It’s been a tough road,” he said. “Addiction takes over your whole life and doesn’t let you go. I’ve been there, and I’ve lost good friends due to the drug crisis. I know others who can’t get jobs, who are struggling to stay clean, and who lack purpose. I want to be a positive influence and help others overcome addiction like I did, and I think our state government could do a better job of that.”

Digioia said, in the release, one of the biggest challenges he has faced since getting clean is finding work.

“From my own experience, it’s hard for people in recovery to find a good job or to start their own business,” he said. “We need to find ways to change that, both at the State House and in our own communities, because a lot of folks who are struggling are struggling because they don’t have people around them who believe in them, who believe they can turn it around, who don’t see them as capable of holding down a good job and providing for a family. If we solve that, we can really turn around some of our small rural communities.”

Digioia also said, in the release, he hopes to change the view that politics is not for young people.

“You watch TV or see things on social media and there aren’t a lot of young people getting into politics,” he said. “And if you look at the Legislature, most of the people there are retirees. Nothing against older Mainers, but I think we need more of a balance in the Legislature, our policies need to be influenced by younger people. We need to help more young people get into politics, people who think the drug crisis, jobs, and being able to raise a family or start a business right here in Maine are our top priorities.”

Digioia said, in the release, he is going to finance his campaign through the Maine Clean Election Fund, and encouraged supporters to make a qualifying contribution online.

“I need your help,” he said. “I’m not able to go door to door right now with the coronavirus, and our deadline for getting 60 qualifying contributions is less than a month away. So I would encourage anyone to reach out and chat with me, make a donation online, or volunteer in any way you can, even if finances are tight you can still help in little ways.”

To get involved with Digoia’s campaign, contact him at 323-3920 or by email at mdigioia87@yahoo.com.