Heidi H. Sampson
Heidi Hilgartner Sampson is an American politician and anti-vaccine activist. A member of the Republican Party, she has served as a member of the Maine House of Representatives since 2016, representing the 136th district since 2022.
Heidi H. Sampson | |
---|---|
Sampson in 2022 | |
Member of the Maine House of Representatives | |
Assumed office December 7, 2016 | |
Preceded by | James Campbell |
Constituency | 136th district (2022–present) 21st district (2016–2022) |
Personal details | |
Political party | Republican |
Spouse | Robert |
Children | 3 |
Residence(s) | Alfred, Maine, U.S. |
Alma mater | St. Lawrence University |
Website | heidihsampson |
Sampson's prominence in the anti-vaccination movement in Maine began with her 2019 opposition toward legislation eliminating religious and philosophical exemptions to childhood vaccinations in the state. Sampson was active in a campaign for a failed people's veto of the legislation, and spoke at anti-vaccine rallies and events throughout the United States. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Sampson was a vocal opponent of public health measures taken to limit the spread of the pandemic in Maine, participating in rallies and demonstrations against business closures, gathering limits, mask wearing and vaccinations. Sampson has made comparisons of vaccine and mask mandates to Nazi atrocities during the Holocaust.