Individuals Overcoming Addiction Aim to Influence Politics by Running for Office

Thomas Higdon always had a passion for politics, frequently participating in campaigns and staying informed about political developments. Despite his enthusiasm, he once believed that his chances of a political career were impossible due to his substance dependency.

During his law school years in the mid-'90s, Higdon's struggles with alcohol and drugs began to significantly disrupt his life. By 2014, his dependency issues left him homeless, living under an overpass. Although he has now maintained sobriety, the fear of irreparable damage to his political aspirations lingered.

Creating a Political Training Ground for Those in Recovery

Courtney Gary-Allen, who also overcame her battles with substance use, successfully transitioned into politics even after facing multiple overdoses. First elected as an at-large City Councilor in Augusta, Maine, in 2020, she secured reelection in 2023. Her success illuminated the need for a specialized campaign training program for those recovering from addiction.

"For quite some time, the recovery movement in the United States concentrated on sharing personal stories and lobbying for improved substance use policies," Gary-Allen remarked. "This initiative marks the next phase, where we strive not only to advocate but to assume roles within leadership to influence policies directly."

The inception of Run for Recovery came from this vision, culminating in its first cohort of fifteen participants—encompassing Democrats, Republicans, and Independents—graduated in August 2024. This diverse group, coming together monthly online, received guidance on every aspect of running a political campaign, from campaign finance regulations to public speaking on sensitive personal histories.

Higdon's involvement in the program emphasized how the right environment can dismantle doubts. As he absorbed the lessons and shared the journey with peers, the mental barriers indicating his inability to run for office began to dissolve.

Fostering a Growing Political Movement

The momentum is tangible, though an exhaustive list of recovery community members currently pursuing political roles doesn’t exist. Gary-Allen, who knows several individuals within Maine pursuing office, along with Higdon contemplating candidacy in Maryland, highlights the movement's reach. Similarly, Racquel Garcia, a program alumna serving in Colorado, considers a more substantial political role in 2026.

"We are witnessing a significant shift," Gary-Allen envisioned. "Beyond voting and advocacy, individuals in recovery are entering the political arena with the intent to transform systems affecting substance use. The forthcoming election cycles hold much promise for this growing, impactful movement."

Anticipation for the Upcoming Election

Kerry Breen reports for CBS News as an editor, with a background from NYU's Arthur L. Carter School of Journalism. Her reporting portfolio includes ongoing events, breaking stories, and raising awareness on substance use issues.