Margaret Craven (file photo)

LEWISTON — Margaret Craven has announced her campaign for House District 59 in Lewiston.

The seat is currently held by Roger Fuller, who is not seeking re-election.

Craven was first elected to the Maine House of Representatives in 2002, serving until 2008, when she was elected to the State Senate. She served as state senator until 2014, when she retired to stay home and care for her husband of 50 years, Jim, as he declined from Parkinson’s Disease.

He died in November of last year.

“It was a privilege and an honor to serve the people of Lewiston in the Legislature for those 12 years,” Craven said. “I was humbled by the trust the people of Lewiston placed in me before they even knew me when I was first elected, and even more so when they re-elected me.”

Craven took advantage of her recent time at home to care for her youngest grandson, as well as remain active in many community efforts.

For the past five years, she has served on the steering committee responsible for the funding and creation of the Pettengill School Park. She currently serves on the board of Museum LA and teaches adults as a volunteer with Literacy Volunteers.

Her previous community activities include volunteering with Androscoggin Home Care and Hospice and serving on the board of directors of the Lewiston Public Library and of Healthy Androscoggin.

Craven worked for many years as an administrator and respite coordinator at John F. Murphy Homes.

She holds a bachelor’s of science degree in social and behavioral sciences and a master’s degree in adult education, both from the University of Southern Maine.

Vraven has two sons, Walter and TJ, and three grandsons, Finn, Declan and Joseph.