About Vaughn

Vaughn McLaughlin was raised on a small family farm in Fort Fairfield, Maine, where his father worked full-time for the US Postal Service while managing 25 acres of potatoes. Vaughn credits his strong work ethic to his parents, who instilled dedication and compassion in him. He earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education from the University of Southern Maine and a Masters Degree in Educational Leadership and Administration in 2006. After a distinguished teaching career, including recognition as Caribou's "Teacher Of The Year" in 2000 and a finalist for Maine’s Teacher of the Year in 2001, Vaughn retired in 2021 to take care of his mother, who's health was declining.

Throughout his life, Vaughn volunteered as an assistant basketball coach in Fort Fairfield, later becoming the boys varsity basketball coach in 2018. He led his teams to the Northern Maine tournament three times in five years, reaching the semifinals in the past two seasons. Family is central to Vaughn's life; he and his wife Vicki have raised multiple generations and are actively involved in their community, including taking on part-time teaching positions. Their faith and commitment guide their actions and decisions.

Vaughn is determined to pursue his career in public service by running for the State Senate. He aims to address the current funding disparities in rural areas, improve the quality of public education, increase teacher salaries, and enhance healthcare access, specifically for nursing homes and long-term care facilities. He is also committed to addressing the economic challenges faced by rural Mainers and ensuring the protection of our environment and natural resources, to maintain and grow our tourism-based economy. With his background in education, leadership, and community engagement, Vaughn is well-positioned to advocate for his constituents and make sure that working families in Aroostook County continue to have a champion in Augusta.

Fighting for ALL of The County

Protecting our Natural Resources and Tourism-Based Economy

Vaughn firmly believes in the preservation of natural resources for the sustainable growth of our community and economy. He is dedicated to implementing policies that prioritize environmental conservation, economic prosperity, and ensuring we have clean air and water.

Tourism, especially snowmobiling, is the driving force of our economy in Aroostook County. Vaughn recognizes its significance in attracting visitors and supporting local businesses. He aims to protect and make our natural resources accessible, which will benefit both tourists and residents while boosting the region's economic vitality.

Investing in Our Students and Educators

Vaughn is dedicated to ensuring that all schools in Aroostook County receive their fair share of investment from the state. This means providing adequate funding for facilities and resources and prioritizing fair and competitive salaries for teachers. Additionally, comprehensive benefits that reflect their invaluable contributions to our communities should be given to them.

Moreover, Vaughn recognizes the importance of investing in career and technical education programs at Caribou Technology Center and Van Buren Regional Technology Center. These programs not only provide valuable skills and pathways for students but also contribute to a robust local economy by preparing our workforce for the jobs of today and tomorrow.

Delivering Property Tax Relief

Vaughn understands the impact of housing costs, whether owning or renting, on individuals and families. He is dedicated to reducing property taxes and rental costs by advocating for the maintenance of municipal revenue sharing for essential services like fire, police, and roads. Vaughn also prioritizes funding for our schools and enhancing property tax programs that directly benefit Maine residents. Through these initiatives, Vaughn aims to alleviate the financial burden of housing expenses and create a more affordable environment for all.

Ensuring Affordable and Accessible Healthcare

Vaughn is dedicated to guaranteeing that all inhabitants of Aroostook County have access to affordable healthcare. He intends to work towards increasing funding and support for our hospitals, health centers, EMS providers, and behavioral health services. Vaughn firmly believes that nobody should have to choose between buying food and paying for medicine. He will work towards reducing the cost of prescription drugs and passing legislation to support rural voluntary ambulance services. Maine is the oldest state of the union, and our seniors deserve a place to live healthy, involved, and secure lives. Vaughn will prioritize keeping our long-term care facilities and nursing homes open and ensure they receive the funding they need.