Sen. Rachel Talbot Ross sworn into Maine Senate

Posted: December 04, 2024 | Senator Talbot Ross

Earlier today, Sen. Rachel Talbot Ross, D-Portland, was sworn into the Maine Senate. Sen. Talbot Ross was elected to her first term in the Senate in November.

Gov. Janet Mills administered the oath of office to Sen. Talbot Ross and her Senate colleagues, all of whom have been elected to serve two-year terms. She represents the good people of Senate District 28, which includes part of Portland and Peaks Island.

“I am deeply honored to continue serving the people of Portland in this new role,” said Sen. Talbot Ross. “The challenges we face are great, but so is our resolve. I am ready to work alongside my colleagues to address housing, health care, and economic security for all Mainers with bold and equitable solutions.”

Sen. Rachel Talbot Ross has made history as the first African American to serve in leadership in the Maine Legislature and the first African American woman to serve in both the House and Senate. During her time in the Legislature, she has championed groundbreaking policies, including expanding the authority of tribal courts to include protections for victims of domestic violence and passing Maine’s Housing First law to address chronic homelessness through permanent housing and support services. Sen. Talbot Ross has served as the Speaker of the House, Assistant House Minority Leader and as a member of the Criminal Justice and Public Safety, Health and Human Services, and Judiciary Committees. Her legacy in public service has been marked by a commitment to advancing equity, justice, and opportunity for all Mainers.

The swearing-in ceremony was held in the Senate Chamber and attended by the senators’ family and friends and the general public. A live stream of the event was made available to the general public and can be viewed online at http://legislature.maine.gov/senate/.

Of the 35 members of the Maine Senate, 20 are Democrats and 15 are Republicans. Fourteen are women, and 21 are men. There are 13 new members: seven have recently served in the House of Representatives, and six have no previous legislative experience. Twenty-two members are incumbents.

The Legislature will reconvene at the start of the New Year. Learn more about Sen. Rachel Talbot Ross at www.mainesenate.org.

Sen. Rachel Talbot Ross in the Senate Chamber shortly after taking the oath of office on Swearing-in Day for the 132nd Legislature.
Sen. Rachel Talbot Ross in the Senate Chamber shortly after taking the oath of office on Swearing-in Day for the 132nd Legislature.