Adam Cote and I both ran in 2008 to represent Maine’s 1st Congressional District in Washington. We sat next to each other during dozens of community forums and developed a lasting friendship. As a former Maine Senate majority leader and elected mayor of Portland, I am pleased to endorse Adam as the most qualified and best-prepared person to serve as Maine’s next Democratic governor.

Adam is running on a bold new agenda for Maine, with innovative ideas and transformative economic development strategies on clean energy, workforce development and focusing on Maine’s competitive advantages. He will not be content with the status quo in Augusta.

With his broad leadership experience, Adam will advance progressive policies on health care, education, climate change and the economy as governor. He is committed to eliminating the opioid epidemic, helping Mainers escape poverty and integrating new Mainers into our community and economy.

As he has in the past, Adam will stand with the LGBTQ community, with women who demand the right to make their own health care and reproductive decisions, and with public school teachers and union workers.

I want Maine to reclaim its reputation as a state that expects and demands great leaders. President Obama selected Adam as a “Champion of Change” for his work “as a veteran working to advance clean energy and climate security” in 2013. I think we could use a “Champion of Change” in Augusta.

Adam is the best-prepared person to help Maine achieve its potential and ensure a prosperous future for all our children and grandchildren. Vote for Adam in the June 12 primary.

Michael Brennan

Democratic candidate, Maine House District 36; former elected Portland mayor; former state legislator

Portland