Sen. Vitelli named Senate Majority Leader, Sen. Daughtry named Assistant Senate Majority Leader
AUGUSTA – On Monday, the Maine Senate Democratic Caucus elected Sen. Eloise Vitelli of Arrowsic to serve as Senate Majority Leader and Sen. Mattie Daughtry of Brunswick to serve as Assistant Senate Majority Leader for the remainder of the 130th Maine Legislature. The leadership elections came in the wake of Sen. Nate Libby’s decision to step back from his leadership position due to increasing professional and family commitments.
The newly elected Senate Majority Leader and Assistant Senate Majority Leader will serve alongside Senate President Troy Jackson, D-Allagash, as a part of the Senate Democratic Leadership team.
“I’m honored to have the support of such a strong, hardworking group of lawmakers. Our current public health and economic crisis places many challenges before us, but I know just how much my colleagues are dedicated to helping the people of Maine weather this storm,” said Sen. Vitelli, who most recently served as Assistant Senate Majority Leader. “My goal as Majority Leader is to make sure my colleagues have the support and resources they need to accomplish their goals, whether that’s passing laws that will have statewide impact or taking on matters that are specific to their constituents. We have a lot of work ahead of us, and I’m hopeful for all that we can accomplish together.”
Sen. Vitelli has dedicated her life to supporting Maine workers and small businesses, promoting entrepreneurship and connecting Mainers with quality, good-paying jobs. She recently retired after 38 years with New Ventures Maine, a statewide organization that helps Maine people achieve their career, financial, and small business goals. In 2006, the Maine Small Business Administration presented Sen. Vitelli with the McGillicuddy Award for Entrepreneurial Excellence for her work with New Ventures. She is also a 1995 inductee into the Maine Women’s Hall of Fame and a 1986 co-recipient of the Maine Small Business Administrations’ Women’s Business Advocate of the Year Award. In the Maine Legislature, she has become a staunch advocate for prescription drug price transparency, workforce training, reliable high-speed internet access, energy independence, and retirement savings accounts.
“Legislators have a shared commitment to help our state navigate our current crisis. It is incumbent upon all of us to provide calm, steady, empathetic, and accessible leadership to all of our constituents, and I am incredibly honored to be facing this uncertainty with such a remarkable group of public servants,” said Sen. Daughtry. “I will work tirelessly — alongside Senate President Jackson and Sen. Vitelli — to make sure the people of Maine know we are here for them, every step of the way. It won’t be easy, but I know together we can pull through.”
Sen. Daughtry co-owns and brews at Moderation Brewing Company, in Brunswick, and previously served in the Maine House of Representatives. She is serving her first term in the Maine Senate, representing the communities of Bailey Island, Brunswick, Freeport, Harpswell, North Yarmouth, Orr’s Island, Pownal, South Freeport and South Harpswell. During her time in the Legislature, Sen. Daughtry has championed policies that made a difference to her hometown, region, and the entire state. As a member, and now Senate Chair, of the Education and Cultural Affairs Committee, she authored and passed nationally recognized bills to reduce student debt and keep young Mainers here, helping to reduce the “brain-drain” that has plagued our state for too long. Working with local farmers, she has crafted common-sense legislation to protect and improve Maine’s flourishing local food systems. She has previously served as House chair of the Maine Commission on College Affordability and College Completion.
