Senator Denise Tepler is a Democrat representing Maine State Senate District 24, which includes all of Sagadahoc County and Dresden in Lincoln County. From Topsham, she was elected to the Senate in November 2024 and sworn in shortly thereafter. Notable achievements include Legislator of the Year awards from the American Legion , Legislative Champion designation from Planned Parenthood for LD 1261 expanding abortion access, and fellowships as a CSG Toll Fellow and NCSL Maternal and Child Health Fellow. She currently chairs the Environment and Natural Resources Committee and Marine Resources Committee, and serves on the Senatorial Vote Committee. Tepler also serves on the boards of the Maine Public Health Association and MidCoast Hunger Prevention Program, where she volunteers.

Education and Political Experience

Tepler began her public service over two decades ago, first elected to the MSAD #75 school board in 1996, representing Bowdoin, Bowdoinham, Harpswell, and Topsham for six years. She served four terms in the Maine House of Representatives for Topsham. In 2024, she won election to the Maine Senate against Republican Jeffrey Pierce and independent Suzanne Andresen.