Crafts seeks reelection in District 46
Incumbent Lydia Crafts (D- Newcastle) is seeking her third term in the Maine House of Representatives. Lydia serves House District 46, which includes the towns of Bristol, Damariscotta, Newcastle, Nobleboro and Monhegan Island.
“It is an honor to serve the people, families, and businesses of District 46. The 132nd Legislature gives us the opportunity to continue our good work and solidify what we’ve begun growing – Maine’s economy, building resilience to climate change, expanding housing development, tackling workforce issues, funding schools, and making healthcare more accessible and affordable, among other important issues. They are all interconnected and it takes collaborative, honest, and balanced leadership to follow through.”
As chair of the Joint Standing Committee on Transportation, Lydia helped secure significant long-term funding for Maine’s roads, bridges, ferries, and public transit infrastructure. “It’s clear to me that the people of Lincoln County, and across our state, need safe and well-maintained infrastructure to live, work, and travel. I’m proud to deliver on that commitment,” Crafts said. She hopes to continue championing the bipartisan, transparent, and respectful work for which she was elected.
Lydia is passionate about building and strengthening Maine’s behavioral healthcare system, including reducing barriers to healthcare, updating Maine’s drug laws, lowering overdose deaths and increasing providers. She currently serves on the Maine Recovery Council, the group tasked with distributing $235 million from the pharmaceutical opioid settlements.
Additionally, Lydia is a member of the Maine Climate Council. Her work focuses on supporting the working waterfront, improving coastal resilience, and helping develop mitigation efforts for the impacts of climate change. “In 2024 we devoted an additional $60 million in storm relief because the recent devastation required the state government to step up and support our reconstruction efforts. Every day I’m proud to show up for the people of Maine.”
Lydia lives in Newcastle with her husband and two children, where she works as a mental health therapist in addition to her role in the Legislature.
The general election is Nov. 5, 2024.