Press Release: Ben Grant Announces Campaign for Portland City Council At-Large
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, April 2nd, 2024
CONTACT INFORMATION
Ben Grant
(207) 939-3344
School Board Member Ben Grant Announces Campaign for Portland City Council At-Large
PORTLAND, MAINE – Portland School Board Member Ben Grant today announced his campaign for Portland City Council At-Large at a press conference in front of Portland City Hall. Grant officially entered the race after filing as a clean elections fund candidate at the City Clerk’s Office.
“I am running because Portland deserves a politics that leads to progress. I am running to bring energy, enthusiasm, and experience to the work of building a better future for all of Portland’s people,” Grant said. “This effort will be focused on making Portland livable and affordable to all working people. Whether you wait tables or own the restaurant, you should be able to live and thrive here. Whether you’re a first-year ed tech or the superintendent, you should be able to live and thrive here. Whether you are a C.N.A. or a CEO, you should be able to live and thrive here.”
The announcement follows news that current At-Large Councilor Roberto Rodriguez will not seek re-election in November of 2024. Grant enters the race with a strong and broad support base from Portland’s elected and community leaders.
“Ben Grant is a strong and pragmatic voice for Portland. I look forward to working alongside him to make progress on housing, homelessness, and public health,” said Councilor Regina Phillips, who represents District 3, which includes the Deering Highlands, Libbytown, Nason’s Corner, Stroudwater, and Rosemont neighborhoods.
“I can’t think of a stronger candidate for City Council,” said School Board Chair Sarah Lentz. “While we would be saddened to lose Ben Grant from the School Board, Ben is thoughtful, smart, and unwavering in his commitment to this city and all its people.”
Grant is a father of two girls in the Portland Public Schools and a long-time homeowner in the Oakdale neighborhood. He is married to Cate Gaynor, an FNP at Greater Portland Health. Grant is a labor lawyer by trade and has worked for many years representing unions and working people across Maine. He is a past president of the Ocean Avenue Elementary School PTO and a former Board member of PAYSA (Portland Area Youth Soccer Association). He is a graduate of Wesleyan University and the University of Maine School of Law.
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