Dr. Evans launches campaign for Senate District 4
DOVER-FOXCROFT — On Tuesday, Feb. 27, Dr. Richard Evans, D-Dover-Foxcroft, a distinguished military veteran, accomplished surgeon, and proven legislative leader, officially launched his campaign for Maine Senate District 4.
“I’ve devoted my life to serving my country, my community, and our great state. I am running for Senate District 4 to ensure all Mainers can live, work, raise a family, and retire right here,” said Dr. Evans. “Effective leadership necessitates reaching across the aisle and building coalitions, which I have done throughout my career. As your Senator, I pledge to listen to my neighbors – veterans, healthcare workers, patients, business owners, teachers, parents, and more, to learn about your concerns so that all voices in our community are heard and common-sense solutions are implemented.”
“Dr. Richard Evans embodies the spirit of service and dedication to the community that we need in our representatives,” remarked Senate President Troy Jackson, D-Allagash. “His track record as a military leader, a compassionate physician, and a legislator committed to bipartisan solutions speaks volumes about his character and capabilities. With his deep understanding of the issues facing rural Maine and his proven leadership, I am confident that Dr. Evans will honorably serve the people of District 4, ensuring their voices are heard in the Maine Senate.”
Dr. Evans’ distinguished military career exemplifies his dedication to duty, leadership, and integrity. During his military career, he rose to the rank of lieutenant colonel, serving as a general surgeon and chief of hospital service, flight surgeon, chair, Department of Surgery, hospital commander, and as medical group commander. Before completing his military tenure, Dr. Evans also served as the director of the Congressional Efficiencies Project at Offutt AFB, NE. Dr. Evans earned numerous accolades for his military service, including the United States Air Force Meritorious Service Medal for Outstanding Leadership, the USAF Commendation Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal.
Upon completion of his military service, Dr. Evans returned to Maine, where he embraced the opportunity to serve his community as a surgeon at the Down East Community Hospital in Machias. There, he was elected by his peers as president of the medical staff and as a member of the hospital’s board of trustees. Dr. Evans then served as chair of the Department of Surgery and president of the medical staff at Mayo Regional Hospital in Dover-Foxcroft.
Dr. Evans’ commitment to healthcare advocacy led him to leadership roles within medical associations, including president of the Maine Medical Association, chair of the Council of New England State Medical Societies, and chair of the New England Delegation of the American Medical Association. He continues to serve as Maine’s senior delegate to the AMA. He also serves as the current president of the National Organization of State Medical Association Presidents and is a member of the Board of Trustees of Maine’s Consumers for Affordable Health Care. For his fierce and tireless advocacy in promoting the art and science of medicine and the betterment of public health, Dr. Evans was just recently recognized by the American Medical Association with its most prestigious award, the 2024 Award for Outstanding Government Service as a member of a State Legislature, becoming the first member of the Maine State Legislature ever to receive this esteemed award.
Driven by his desire to serve his community, Dr. Evans entered the political arena in 2020 when he was elected to the 130th Maine House. As a representative, Dr. Evans championed legislation to combat the opioid crisis, improve healthcare accessibility, and enhance mental health services. His bipartisan approach and tireless advocacy resulted in the enactment of several key bills aimed at improving the lives of Mainers.
Senate District 4 includes the communities of Abbot, Atkinson Township, Beaver Cove, Bowerbank, Brownville, Dover-Foxcroft, Greenville, Guilford, Kingsbury Plantation, Lake View Plantation, Medford, Milo, Monsoon, Parkman, Sangerville, Sebec, Shirley, Wellington, Willimantic, Bradford, Charleston, Corinna, Corinth, Dexter, Exeter, Garland, Glenburn, Hudson, Kenduskeag, and Levant.