Chellie Pingree, a former organic farmer and small business owner, has represented Maine's 1st Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives since 2009. She is a leading advocate for sustainable agriculture, climate action, and food system reform. Pingree authored legislation to expand local food economies and serves on the House Appropriations Committee, where she has championed increased funding for environmental conservation. She brings a pragmatic, solutions-oriented approach to Congress, focusing on practical policies that reflect the needs and values of coastal Maine communities.