Russell J. Black is a Republican state senator from Maine representing Senate District 5, which encompasses municipalities in Franklin, Somerset, and Kennebec counties. A lifelong resident of Wilton, Black is currently serving his fourth term in the Maine State Senate.

Black is a farmer, logger, and small business owner who operates Black Acres Farm. He has been married to his wife Susan for 53 years and has four children, ten grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren.

Education

Black is a graduate of Mt. Blue High School. He attended the Wentworth Institute for Technology and Central Maine Community College.

Political Experience

State Senate

Black has served in the Maine State Senate since 2018, representing what was originally District 17 before reapportionment. He currently serves on the Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry Committee and previously served on the Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Committee as the Senate Republican Lead.

State House

Prior to his Senate service, Black represented District 114 in the Maine House of Representatives for four consecutive terms from 2010 to 2018. During his time in the House, he served as the ranking member of the Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry Committee.

Local Government

Black has extensive local service experience, including nine years as a selectman for the Town of Wilton and 19 years as a planning board member.

Community and Professional Involvement

Black holds memberships and leadership positions in numerous organizations, including director and past vice president of the Franklin County Farm Bureau, director of the Farmington Farmers Union, director and past president of the Wilton Lions Club, and past president of the Mt. Blue High School All Sports Boosters. He is also a member of the Sportsman's Alliance of Maine, the Maine Tree Farm Association, and the Wilton Fish and Game Club. He previously served as a committee member for the USDA Farm Service Agency.