November 23, 2019
She cites need for 'visionary leadership' at Statehouse
NEWBURYPORT — Citing what she called “missed opportunities” for leadership by lawmakers, an offshore wind expert and Newburyport native said Friday she is running as a Democrat for the state representative seat held by a three-term incumbent.
Amber Hewett has been working for the National Wildlife Federation for seven years, with her focus now on clean-energy policy in the Northeast.
Contacted Friday after word of her Dec. 11 campaign launch circulated, Hewett said, “I focus specifically on offshore wind energy. The truly game-changing scale of this potential is the core of why I am running for office. We have these missed opportunities that we need visionary leadership to reach for. There is advocacy happening to bring these projects to life and there is some leadership at the Statehouse working as partners in that effort. I feel that there is farther than we can go and further that we can reach and the urgency of this moment really demands it.”
If she becomes the Democratic nominee, Hewett will likely face 1st Essex District state Rep. Jim Kelcourse, an Amesbury Republican, in a general election next November. Kelcourse confirmed Friday he intends to seek reelection.