Senator Jill Duson

Jill Duson is a Democratic state senator representing Senate District 27 in Maine, which encompasses parts of Portland and Westbrook in Cumberland County. She made history as the first Black woman to serve in the Maine Senate when elected in November 2022. Duson is a retired attorney and Maine State Retiree who has dedicated her career to public service and community leadership.

Political Experience

Duson brings extensive experience in local and state government to her role in the Senate. She served as a member and Chair of the Portland School Committee and spent over 19 years as an At-Large City Councilor, including two terms as appointed Mayor of Portland. Prior to her election to the state senate, she held significant state positions including Director of the Bureau of Rehabilitation Services and Director of Compliance for the Maine Human Rights Commission.

In the Maine Senate, Duson serves as Assistant Majority Leader and is a member of three key committees: Veterans and Legal Affairs, Government Oversight, and Senate Rules. She has been an advocate for protecting reproductive rights, improving access to affordable healthcare, investing in education, and creating affordable housing options throughout Maine. She has also supported funding for Sexual Assault Forensic Examination Kits testing and tracking initiatives.