Justin Alfond, D-Portland, and founder of the Maine League of Young Voters, is running for the state Senate.

Alfond, 33, is the grandson of the late philanthropist Harold Alfond.

He is running to replace Ethan Strimling, D-Portland, who is running for Congress. Also seeking the seat in the Democratic Primary is Cliff Ginn, president of the Opportunity Maine board, and current Rep. Anne Rand, D-Portland, who is serving her ninth term in the Legislature.

Alfond is focusing his campaign on mobilizing the business community to improve Portland’s economy and bring jobs to the area.

“Directing the League of Young Voters has shown me what it takes to be a leader in Portland and in the state,” Alfond said.

Alfond said he has already received widespread support for his campaign. He’s proposing a business incubator to connect businesses with resources from Maine’s high schools and colleges. Alfond has a background in business. He’s an entrepreneur, with a degree in finance from Tulane University.

While in office, he also hopes to be part of the solution to Maine’s taxation problems, he said. He also hopes to address affordable housing – a way to keep young people in the state.

For more on his positions click here.

Portland is one of the youngest districts in the state, and is also an area people flock to to take advantage of the city’s social services.

Alfond expects the name recognition from his grandfather to help, but he said he has plenty of name recognition in the district.