LEWISTON — Melissa May Stevens of Lewiston is seeking election to State House District 59, representing part of Lewiston.

The seat is held by Rep. Margaret Rotundo, D-Lewiston, who is not seeking re-election.

According to a written statement, Stevens said, “I bring real life experience with both poverty and middle-class issues to the table. My platform, my perspective and my life experience are greatly needed up in Augusta. I’m a single mom and a student. I’ve worked low-wage jobs. I’ve experienced domestic violence, sexual harassment, class and gender discrimination. I want to serve in the House to bring those issues to the forefront and address them head on.”

Stevens, a Democrat, has been a licensed massage therapist for 12 years and is working toward her master’s degree in behavioral sciences at the University of Southern Maine.

A fifth-generation Lewiston native of French-Canadian heritage, she is a single mother of three: Izabella, Keenan and Angelina.

Stevens has a background of volunteerism, including with Lewiston-Auburn Community Little Theatre and Mainers for Fair Wages Campaign, a citizen-initiated referendum.

“I personally collected hundreds of signatures last summer and fall to ensure that we see this issue on the ballot,” according to her statement.

According to Stevens, “The very definition of ‘representative’ means to act and speak on behalf of a group of people. I already do that every chance I get, whether it is working to raise the wage, improve our housing stock, increase economic development in Lewiston, fund our public schools or doing pro-bono massage therapy.

“I am excited and honored to have the chance to speak and act for the residents of this city in Augusta. The time has come for some new energy and fresh ideas; I am ready to continue my work as a state legislator.”