Maggie Handler

Maggie Handler is an Acadian politician and three-time Presidential candidate in 2006, 2009, and 2012.

In the 2006 Acadia Presidential election, Maggie ran as a member of the Green Party. She has been noted as one of the most moderate Green politicians, and gained the support of several independent and undecided voters. On January 14, 2006, Handler received 3% of the popular vote. Incumbent President Amelia Lark received a majority and there was no run-off.

In March 2006, Handler announced that she would leave the Green Party and registered Progressive.

Handler announced her campaign for President as a member of the Progressive Party on September 29, 2008. She was quickly seen as a frontrunner, but her radical Green Party history put a damper on her campaign. Her main opponents were Conservative Justin Hughes and Progressive Harry Moore. Outgoing Progressive President Amelia Lark endorsed Moore, which had little effect on the race. On January 10, 2009, Handler received 21% of the popular vote, finishing in third place. Hughes and Moore received first and second places, respectively, and advanced on to the run-off where Hughes was elected President.

Progressive Party leaders discouraged Handler from running, claiming that her presence in the 2009 election allowed for Hughes' victory. However, Handler announced her third Presidential campaign on March 19, 2011, the first major candidate to do so.

In the 2012 Presidential election, the Progressive Party focused solely on Handler instead of splitting the vote. Handler campaigned aggressively against incumbent Conservative President Justin Hughes. On January 14, 2012, Handler finished in second place with 30% of the vote, narrowly losing the general election to President Hughes' 31%. Since no candidate receive a majority, Hughes and Handler both advanced to the run-off.

Handler announced her running mate, Adam Troney, on January 16, 2012, and went on a nationwide campaign trail prior to the run-off. Coincidentally, Handler and the incumbent Vice President Jane Spencer (Hughes' running mate) were roommates in college.

On February 4, 2012, Handler lost the run-off to Hughes, receiving 48% to his 52%. She conceded later that day. In October 2013, she told press that she "would not run" for President again.