RAYMOND — Craig Messigner, a Democrat from Raymond, has announced his candidacy for House District 86, which includes Raymond, Casco, Frye Island, and part of Poland.

“As a lifelong firefighter, I know that when you’re fighting a fire there’s no time to stand around arguing, you have to work together to get people the help they need. There’s too much arguing and not enough working together. That’s why I’m running — to bring teamwork to Augusta to solve the problems we’re facing as a state: out of control costs, ensuring our older residents can age with dignity, and equipping our youth to build successful lives here in Maine,” Messinger said. “I believe communication and listening is missing from our political environment today, which is why I always listen to both sides of a situation and don’t base my decisions on a political party or an agenda.”

Messinger is a longtime Raymond resident, where he and his wife raised their family. A Deacon in his church, where he organizes community dinners, provides outreach to elderly congregants, and is a dedicated food pantry volunteer, Messinger has developed a strong understanding of local issues and needs. From delivering a baby in an apartment while serving as a Firefighter/paramedic in Portland, to coaching softball and soccer when his daughter was a Windham Eagle during middle school, he’s spent his life quietly helping his community thrive. He now hopes to bring that track record of helping his community to Augusta.

 “I’ve seen first-hand how hard it can be for our seniors to age in rural communities like ours, we need to do more to support them. At the same time, we need to support our young adults as they seek an education and opportunities here in Maine. I’m lucky that my daughter has been able to get a great education here, and I want to make sure every Maine kid has the chance to be a lifelong Mainer,” he said. District 86 has been represented for four terms by Jessica Fay. As she terms out, Fay says of Messinger, “Craig is exactly the right person to represent us in Augusta. He has always been an active member of our community. Craig has spent his professional career serving and caring for others. I believe that he will do the same for us in Augusta.”