Michael Sylvester (politician)
| Michael A. Sylvester | |
|---|---|
| Member of the Maine House of Representatives from the 39th district | |
|
Assumed office 2016 | |
| Preceded by | Diane Russell |
| Personal details | |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Residence | Portland, Maine |
| Website | Bio |
Michael A. Sylvester is an American politician who was elected to the Maine House of Representatives in 2016. He represents the 39th House District as a member of the Democratic Party. He is a member of Democratic Socialists of America.[1]
Raised in Lewiston, Maine, Sylvester attended Bard College, graduating with a degree in English. After college he worked as a union organizer for twenty years, starting off by organizing nursing homes in West Virginia.[2] After returning to Maine, he started a business renting out golf carts on Peaks Island, where he lives.[3] He served for three years on the Peaks Island Council, including two years as chair.
In 2016, Sylvester ran to succeed the term-limited state representative for the 39th District, Diane Russell, defeating lawyer Andrew Edwards in the Democratic primary and Republican Peter Doyle in the general election.[4] Sylvester ran as an open democratic socialist, supporting an increase in the minimum wage, legalization of marijuana, and single-payer health care.[3][5]
References
- ↑ Alec Shea, DSA Members Run for Office to Continue the Political Revolution, Democratic Socialists of America, August 23, 2016
- ↑ Rob Korobkin, An interview w. Mike Sylvester, State House Candidate and Union Organizer, From Below and to the Left, June 2, 2016
- 1 2 Bridgers, Leslie (May 30, 2016). "House District 39: Two newcomers seek House nomination". Portland Press Herald.
- ↑ Harry, David (October 17, 2016). "Clear distinctions between candidates in Portland House District 39". The Forecaster.
- ↑ Michael Sylvester, Portland Press Herald, October 5, 2016