On primary day, I am voting for Melissa Stevens, running in House District 59.

Too many people in Augusta have no idea what it means to struggle. Stevens has overcome so much to raise her young family. Many politicians talk about poverty. Few have gone through it. Fewer choose to make sure others never have to experience the same.

Stevens has worked low-wage jobs, gone back to school and provided for her children the whole way through. She has also worked to end low-wage work, helping to lead the minimum wage referendum.

She stood up to the mayor and governor when they attacked struggling people like her, and when I was attacked politically last year, she spoke out publicly and volunteered countless hours, making clear there is no room for hate in Lewiston.

People don’t have to judge Melissa Stevens by what she says — just look at what she does.

Ben Chin, Lewiston