Barbara Cray, of Westport Island, said Jan. 18 that she will run in the Democratic Primary for District Attorney for the State of Maine Sixth Prosecutorial District, which comprises Sagadahoc, Lincoln, Knox and Waldo counties. Incumbent Natasha Irving is likewise seeking reelection to the seat.

Cray is a trial attorney, currently working as a court appointed attorney doing public defense work for the Maine Commission on Public Defense Services.  

" I am running because it is time for a new outlook and new ideas for criminal justice in Maine’s Sixth District," she said, in a news release. "I plan to implement a community justice approach.  I will strive for strong collaborative relationships with law enforcement, the County Commissioners, Courts and the public. I will work with the communities of our cities and towns to provide information as to the district attorney’s office’s law enforcement policies and practices and resources.

"I will visit our schools to shed light on the criminal justice system and resources available. Programs to prevent harm will be prioritized, and programs to repair harm (restorative practices) will be used in appropriate cases.

"I will work to create programs where community volunteers can provide services and support for those who are brought into the criminal justice system. 

"I will facilitate an alliance of residents, the district attorney’s office, law enforcement, and social services to prevent crime, improve the justice system, and determine root causes of crime.  This is not to say that the laws will not be enforced and appropriate punishment sought. Prosecutions will occur as needed to make and keep our communities safe and healthy.”

"Addressing sexual and domestic violence and abuse is a priority, and victims must be heard, protected, and supported.  With my financial fraud experience, I also plan to work to discover, investigate and prosecute these crimes, and educate our communities how to not fall victim to these schemes."

Attorney Cray is a mediator, who has run her own law practice, the Law Offices of Barbara Cray, for many years, she said.

In 2018 she took her practice to Maine. Her work for the last three years, and currently, is primarily criminal defense work for the State of Maine, serving as a court appointed counsel through the Maine Commission on Public Defense Services, providing legal representation pursuant to the Sixth Amendment for those who cannot afford counsel.

She also serves as a mediator in the Maine state courts for the Court Alternative Dispute Resolution Services (CADRES) program, regularly serving as a mediator of small claims and eviction cases, primarily in Lincoln County.

In addition to her legal work, Cray does volunteer and advocacy work and in politics in Maine. She is a board member of the RSU 12 School Board (Sheepscot Valley Regional School Unit).

From 2018 to 2023  she volunteered as a facilitator for the Restorative Justice Project of Maine, handling juvenile and adult cases with restorative practices.

She is a volunteer and advocate for many organizations, including the Maine Women’s Lobby (receiving a service award in 2024); the Maine Council on Aging and is a graduate of the Leadership Exchange on Ageism program; Planned Parenthood of New England; and the League of Women Voters. Cray has testified at the State House and organizes rallies and events. 

Cray is active in Maine democratic politics, and is Chair of the Westport Island Democratic Committee, serves on the Executive Committee of the Lincoln County Democratic Committee, is a member of the Maine Democratic State Committee, and currently chairs its platform committee. 

She is the  organizer and a founder of the Maine Federation of Democratic Women and currently serves as its president. She is a graduate of Emerge Maine and The Campaign School at Yale. 

Cray is also a filmmaker, making television specials for public broadcasting, including “Votes for Women, the History of Women’s Suffrage Through Song”.  And she loves to sing, and is an amateur entertainer and songwriter.  She is and has been a member of Tapestry Singers of Midcoast Maine since 2018.

Further details and information can be obtained from Barbara Cray at 207-882-9829 or craylaw@comcast.net