Natalie Higgins

In 2016, Maria’s List endorsed Higgins in her first successful run and then again in 2018 as Leominster’s state representative. Growing up in a working family, Higgins experienced how government fails to support working families in times of crisis and need. That’s why one of the top issues on her platform in 2016 was paid family leave. A graduate of UMass Amherst and Northeastern Law School, Natalie became the first in her family to graduate from college and law school. She also has a strong history of commitment to women’s rights in her legislative work, from championing comprehensive healthcare to the elimination of all forms of gender discrimination and violence. This began with her involvement in working with women in the community when she was a teen counselor at a rape crisis center and as Legal Fellow with the Governor’s Council to Address Sexual and Domestic Violence. However, Higgins also has a strong track record regarding education. Higgins was the founding executive director of PHENOM (Public Higher Education Network of Massachusetts), where she worked to fight the privatization of public higher education. Not only has she successfully introduced and passed legislation, but Higgins continues to stay attuned to community needs by holding forums and office hours and continuing to knock on doors.