Joseph Howard graduated from Bowdoin College and read law before gaining admission to the bar. He spent several years as United States Attorney, which provided him with a solid foundation in legal practice. Howard then transitioned to the judiciary, serving as an associate justice on the Maine Supreme Judicial Court. After retiring from the court, he entered local politics, serving as the Mayor of Portland, Maine. He later ran for governor of Maine, showcasing his commitment to public service and governance.

Joseph Howard's political philosophy centers on a localized approach to governance, emphasizing the empowerment of municipal authorities and the growth of regional industries. His support for public education and infrastructure projects reveals a commitment to long-term community development. Howard's judicial career highlights his dedication to an independent and fair judicial system, while his economic policies suggest a calculated strategy to balance industrial growth with regional interests. His unexpected convergence with opposing factions on environmental regulations indicates a nuanced, highly localized approach to policy-making.