Westbrook, MAINE - The Maine Democratic Party (MDP) today announced that Congressman Joaquin Castro (D-TX) will serve as the keynote speaker at the 2018 Maine Democratic Party Convention. More than a thousand Democrats from all over the state are expected to gather in Lewiston on May 19th and 20th to take part in the convention, which will continue the theme from the 2018 caucuses “Victory Starts Here”, and ramp up efforts to elect Democrats up and down the ballot in November. Congressman Castro is schedule to speak at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 19th.

MDP Chairman Phil Bartlett issued the following statement:

“Congressman Castro has spent his entire career making sure that all Americans have a fair shot at success and equal opportunity to build better lives for themselves and their families. Along with Congresswoman Pingree, he is an incredible champion for middle-class Americans in Congress, and we are excited to have him join us in Lewiston for our convention.

“And like the Congressman, Maine Democrats are ready to demonstrate that we are the party that fights to make sure everyone has access to affordable health care, that everyone has the opportunity to earn a living wage, and that government works for Maine people - not against them.”

Congressman Castro hails from San Antonio, Texas, and is a second generation Mexican American. At 28 years old, Castro was elected to the Texas Legislature. He served five terms as state representative for District 125. In 2012, he was elected to serve in the U.S House of Representatives for Texas’ 20th Congressional District.

Congressman Castro sits on the House Intelligence and Foreign Affairs Committees, and currently serves as Chief Deputy Whip for House Democrats. As a Congressman, Castro has been a tireless advocate for his constituents. From supporting military families to investing in education, Castro remains committed to fighting for great public schools and universities, a sound health care system, and good-paying jobs for all Americans.

The 2018 Democratic State Convention will take place on Friday, May 18th - Saturday, May 19th at The Colisee in Lewiston. Registration opens at 12:00 p.m. on Friday, May 18th and is followed by a weekend filled with remarks by Maine’s Democratic candidates, activist trainings, and party business. The tentative schedule can be found HERE, and MDP will release more information as convention draws closer.

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