LEWISTON — Nate Libby has announced his candidacy for the Maine House of Representatives in District 73.

The district includes the neighborhoods surrounding St. Mary's Regional Medical Center and Bates College, along with the Sunnyside, Webster Street, College Street and lower Sabattus Street neighborhoods.

Libby, 27, serves on the Lewiston City Council representing Ward 3, the Lewiston-Auburn Economic Growth Council and Lewiston's Community Development Block Grant Committee. He is the past director of the Maine Small Business Coalition, a nonprofit small business advocacy group.

Self-employed, Libby works as a property manager, carpenter and political consultant.

Libby's top three areas of interest include: supporting and strengthening Maine's small, independent business community through targeted tax credits and expanding small business loan programs; expanding access, lowering costs, and improving the quality and outcomes in Maine's health care system; and fighting for Lewiston's fair share of resources and revenue from the state.

“For the last couple of years, the Legislature has seemed more concerned with pushing an ideological agenda rather than coming up with real solutions to help Maine people who are struggling,” Libby said. “I will bring new energy and a new perspective to Augusta, and, most importantly, I will be a fierce advocate for the people of my district and for the city of Lewiston.”

Libby is a graduate of Bates College, with a degree in history and economics, and of Skowhegan Area High School. He is married to Andrea and has a 3-year-old son, Jude.