Candidate – Governor 2026
Margaret E. Harlow
l “Every family in this state deserves opportunity – not just those born into it.”
ABOUT THE CANDIDATE
Meet Margaret Harlow
Margaret E. Harlow was born and raised in Millfield, a working-class community in the heart of the state. The daughter of a public school teacher and a union electrician, she learned early that hard work and community go hand in hand — values she has carried throughout a distinguished career in public service.
After earning her law degree from State University, Margaret spent a decade as a civil rights attorney, fighting for workers’ rights and housing protections for vulnerable families. Her work in the courtroom led naturally to the legislature, where she has served three terms in the State Senate, earning a reputation as a thoughtful legislator who reaches across the aisle to deliver real results.
Margaret lives in Millfield with her husband, David — a high school science teacher — and their two daughters, Claire and Rose. She is an active member of the First United Methodist Church and volunteers each year with the local Habitat for Humanity chapter.
She is running for Governor because she believes the state’s best days are ahead — if its leaders are willing to be honest about the challenges and bold enough to meet them.
Quick Facts
Full Name
Margaret Ellen Harlow
Party
Democratic Party
Hometown
Millfield, State
Education
J.D., State University
B.A., Westbrook College
Current Role
State Senator, District 14
Years in Office
12 years
Family
Married, with two children
CORE PLATFORM
Building a State That Works for Everyone
Education First
Fully fund public schools from kindergarten through community college. Raise teacher pay to the national median, expand pre-K access, and eliminate the “school-to-prison pipeline” with restorative practices and mental health counselors in every school.
Affordable Health Care
Expand Medicaid to cover the working poor, cap insulin and prescription costs, and invest in rural healthcare infrastructure so that no family has to drive two hours to see a doctor. Mental health and addiction treatment are healthcare — full stop.
Good Jobs & Fair Wages
Raise the state minimum wage to $17/hour, support union organizing rights, and attract clean energy manufacturing with targeted tax incentives. Workforce development partnerships with community colleges will prepare workers for tomorrow’s economy.
Clean Energy & Climate
Commit the state to 100% clean electricity by 2040, invest in EV infrastructure, and lead on environmental justice so that polluting facilities are no longer disproportionately sited in low-income communities of color.
Housing Affordability
Create a $500 million State Housing Trust Fund, reform exclusionary zoning laws, and expand renter protections. Every working family deserves a safe, stable, affordable place to call home.
Justice & Public Safety
Invest in community-based violence prevention programs proven to reduce crime. Reform sentencing laws, eliminate cash bail, and strengthen police accountability so that every resident can trust those sworn to protect them.
“I have seen what happens when government turns its back on working families. I have also seen what happens when it doesn’t — and that is the state I intend to build.”
— Margaret E. Harlow, Announcement Speech, March 2025
Experience
2013 – Present
State Senator, District 14
State Legislature · Millfield, State
Serving her third term, Margaret chairs the Senate Education & Labor Committee and sits on the Health & Human Services Committee. She authored the landmark Clean Water Infrastructure Act (2019), the Working Families Paid Leave Act (2021), and the Mental Health Parity Enforcement Act (2023). Her legislation has returned over $2.4 billion in federal funding to the state.
Deputy State Attorney General
Office of the Attorney General · State Capital
Oversaw the Consumer Protection and Labor Divisions. Led enforcement actions that recovered $180 million for defrauded workers and homeowners during the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis. Developed the state’s first comprehensive wage theft prosecution unit.
2000 – 2008
Civil Rights & Labor Attorney
Harlow & Associates · Millfield, State
Founded and led a boutique civil rights practice representing workers, tenants, and marginalized communities. Argued successfully before the State Supreme Court in two landmark housing discrimination cases. Named one of State Bar’s “40 Under 40” attorneys to watch in 2005.
Law Clerk & Associate Attorney
Hon. Ruth Caldwell, State Court of Appeals · State Capital
Clerked for the Honorable Ruth Caldwell on the State Court of Appeals before joining the civil rights division of a regional law firm, where she litigated employment discrimination and voting rights cases across the state.
Key Issues
Reproductive Rights & Women’s Health
Margaret believes reproductive healthcare decisions belong to a woman and her doctor — not politicians. She supports enshrining abortion access protections in state law, expanding funding for family planning services, and ensuring every woman has access to maternal healthcare regardless of her zip code or income.
Supports full reproductive rights protections at the state level
Gun Safety
Margaret supports universal background checks, red flag laws, and a ban on assault-style weapons at the state level. She rejects the false choice between the Second Amendment and public safety, and will work with law enforcement and community leaders to pass common-sense measures that keep guns out of dangerous hands.
Supports universal background checks and red flag legislation
Immigration & Immigrant Communities
As Governor, Margaret will make clear that this state welcomes immigrant families who contribute to our communities. She will oppose the use of state resources to enforce federal immigration detainers, expand driver’s license access for undocumented residents, and invest in English language learning and citizenship preparation programs.
Opposes state cooperation with federal immigration enforcement overreach
Tax Fairness & Fiscal Policy
Margaret will push to close corporate tax loopholes, restore a more progressive income tax structure for top earners, and ensure the wealthiest individuals and corporations pay their fair share. Revenue generated will be directed to education, healthcare, and infrastructure — not tax breaks for those who need them least.
Supports progressive tax reform and closing corporate loopholes
LGBTQ+ Rights & Protections
Margaret is a lifelong ally and will fight to protect LGBTQ+ residents from discrimination in housing, employment, and public accommodations. She opposes any legislation targeting transgender youth and will ensure that state agencies are welcoming, affirming spaces for every resident regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation.
Full support for LGBTQ+ non-discrimination protections
Criminal Justice Reform
The current system incarcerates too many people for too long at enormous public cost, without making communities safer. Margaret will work to legalize and expunge marijuana convictions, reform mandatory minimum sentencing, eliminate the use of private prisons, and invest in reentry programs that actually reduce recidivism and rebuild lives.
Supports sentencing reform, marijuana legalization, and ending private prisons
JOIN THE CAMPAIGN
Ready to Make a Difference?
Together, we can build a state where every family has the opportunity to thrive. Your support — your voice, your time, and your contribution — makes that possible.