Senate District 27
Jill Duson
Senate District 27
The Latest
Sen. Duson introduces bill to strengthen civil liberties of Maine residents, bolster access to legal representation
AUGUSTA — Yesterday, Senate Assistant Majority Leader Jill Duson, D-Portland, introduced LD 2176, “An Act to Create a Right to Judicial Review under the Maine Civil Rights Act.” The bill would make clear that a person deprived of their right to liberty in the course of an unlawful...
Sen. Duson introduces bill to support first-generation college students, restore funding to Upward Bound program in rural Maine
AUGUSTA — On Wednesday, January 21, Senate Assistant Majority Leader Jill Duson, D-Portland, introduced a bill to provide one-time funds for the University of Maine System to reinstate academic support and college and career preparation services to students in rural Maine following federal cuts...
A steadfast leader in the City of Portland and throughout the state of Maine, Senate Assistant Majority Leader Jill C. Duson served as a member and Chair of the School Committee prior to serving over 19 years as an At-Large City Councilor, including two terms as appointed Mayor.
As an elected municipal official, Sen. Duson fought for resources to support schools, while at the same time holding school leaders accountable to create a quality system where all students can learn and thrive. Sen. Duson focused on ensuring safe, affordable and accessible housing options in Portland that match the diverse needs of those who live and work in the city.
Additionally, the Senator has been a strong advocate on environmental policy. She has a substantial record of active leadership regarding Blue Economy sustainability, sea level rise mitigation, advocacy for public trails and open space conservation and working waterfront preservation in Greater Portland and across the state.
The Senator is a retired attorney and a Maine state employee. Her most recent state service included Director of Compliance for the Maine Human Rights Commission and Director of the Bureau of Rehabilitation Services. Standing up for accountability, reform and transparency on behalf of Mainers has been a constant throughout her professional career.
A child of the Civil Rights movement, Sen. Duson was inspired by the activism of her mother, who empowered local parents to protest and demonstrate for over two years to achieve court-ordered desegregation of schools in her hometown. Recognizing that those who came before her fought to open doors, Sen. Duson has dedicated a lifetime to serving our community and holding doors open for today’s students, families, emerging activists and leaders. She is committed to paying the fight forward.
Sen. Duson holds a Bachelor of Arts from Antioch University and a Juris Doctorate from the University of Pennsylvania School of Law. She is serving her second term in the Maine Senate, where she serves on the Veterans and Legal Affairs Committee and the Government Oversight Committee.
Sen. Duson is first Black woman to serve in the Maine Senate. She represents Senate District 27, which includes part of Portland and part of Westbrook.