FARMINGTON – Resident and educator Leigh Welch announced her campaign for the Democratic nomination for Maine House District 89, which includes Farmington and Industry.

The Democratic candidate for the seat vacated by Rep. Janet Mills will be chosen at a caucus of Democrats from the two towns at 3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 4, at the University of Maine at Farmington’s North Dining Hall.

Welch is a 40-year resident of Farmington who attended elementary and secondary schools here.

She is a 1985 graduate of Mt. Blue High School and attended the University of Maine Farmington. She is married to Mt. Blue High School teacher Doug Hodum and has worked as a substitute teacher and an education technician in SAD 9.

She is a U.S. Army veteran, having served three years on active duty including service in Saudi Arabia during the Gulf War.

“Having grown up in Farmington, having served my country and having returned to raise my family here, I am keenly aware of the hardships faced by Franklin County families in making ends meet,” Welch said in a statement. “I intend to go to Augusta to support the working people of western Maine. I will fight for small business, for seniors, for the rights of our veterans and for our rural schools which deserve a strong voice in the halls of the State House.”