LEWISTON — State Sen. Margaret Craven, D-Lewiston, announces her intention to run for re-election to the Maine Senate.

Craven is completing her second term as the senator for District 16 in Lewiston. She previously served three terms in the House.

“I have served on the Appropriations Committee for four years and two years on the Health and Human Services Committee, giving me a wide perspective that encompasses financial oversight for all state agencies and legislative insight that is unprecedented," she said in a statement.

Craven said her passion involves working to make home-based and community-based care for seniors accessible and affordable. She spent the past year working on the Maine State Alzheimer Plan as part of that effort.

Craven was awarded the Champion’s Award from the Alzheimer's Association in 2012. And she sponsored legislation to build an adult day facility in Lewiston for veterans and for their spouses who need a break from care taking.

Raised in a family of 11, Craven left school for work at age 14. While working full time and raising a family, she graduated from Lewiston’s GED program. She earned her undergraduate degree from Lewiston-Auburn College and a master's degree in adult education from the University Of Southern Maine, Gorham.

She has worked for John F. Murphy Homes Inc. since 1988 in various capacities. She has also been involved in many community organizations and efforts, and additionally currently sits on the boards of the Lewiston Public Library, Community Concepts and Healthy Androscoggin.

She and her husband, Jim, will celebrate their 45th wedding anniversary this year.