Deqa Dhalac

Deqa Dhalac is a Democratic member of the Maine House of Representatives, representing the 120th District. She is notable for her groundbreaking role as the first African-born female mayor in the United States and as one of the first Somali-Americans to serve in the Maine legislature. Dhalac's journey from a Somali refugee to a prominent political figure in the United States reflects her commitment to public service and advocacy for immigrant rights.

Early life and career

Deqa Dhalac was born in Mogadishu, Somalia, around 1968 or 1969. She is the middle child in her family, with two brothers. Her father, a petroleum engineer, was known for his strong political views and advocacy for education, particularly for girls. He emphasized the importance of women's roles within the family and community, which Dhalac has cited as influential in her own life. Tragically, her father passed away in 1989, shortly before the onset of the Somali Civil War.

As conflict erupted in Somalia, Dhalac fled the country in 1990. She initially traveled to Rome, Italy, on a flight that was supposed to continue to Libya. However, due to the escalating violence and the closure of embassies, she found herself in a precarious situation, detained at the airport with others seeking asylum. After more than a month, she was released into the care of a cousin in Italy. Dhalac later moved to England and then to Toronto in 1991.

In 1992, Dhalac married Abdi Farah, a Somali businessman from Atlanta. The couple had known each other’s families for years, which facilitated their union. Shortly after her marriage, Dhalac became active in efforts to encourage immigrants to gain citizenship and register to vote. She began her career working as a cashier in a parking garage before securing a position in accounts receivable at a hotel, leveraging her accounting degree. Her proficiency in English, acquired during her education, aided her professional advancement in the United States.

In 2005, Dhalac relocated to Lewiston, Maine, with her family, while her husband remained in Atlanta to manage his business. She moved to South Portland in 2008, where she raised her three children. During this time, she worked as an interpreter for Catholic Charities Maine, eventually establishing her own interpreting service. Dhalac furthered her education by earning two master's degrees in policy and social work from the University of New Hampshire and the University of New England. She also co-founded Cross Cultural Community Services (CCCS) and served as the assistant executive director at Gateway Community Services.

Legislative service

Dhalac's political career began in earnest in 2018 when she was elected to the South Portland City Council, making her the first Somali-American and the first Muslim to hold a position on the council. Her election marked a significant milestone in the representation of diverse communities within local government. In 2020, she ran unopposed for re-election, further solidifying her role in local governance.

In 2021, Dhalac gained national attention when she was elected as the mayor of South Portland, becoming the first Somali-American mayor in the United States. Her election was unanimous, reflecting strong support from her colleagues on the city council. Dhalac's tenure as mayor was characterized by her focus on community engagement and her efforts to represent the interests of diverse populations within the city.

In 2022, following the withdrawal of State Representative Victoria Morales from the race for Maine's 120th State House District, Dhalac was nominated to fill the vacancy on the ballot. She successfully won election to the Maine House of Representatives on November 8, 2022. As a state legislator, Dhalac has continued her commitment to serving her constituents and advocating for policies that address the needs of her community.

Policy focus and district

As a member of the Maine House of Representatives, Dhalac represents the 120th District, which includes parts of South Portland. Her policy focus is informed by her background as an immigrant and her experiences in community service. Dhalac has been an advocate for immigrant rights, education, and social services, drawing from her personal journey to inform her legislative priorities.

Dhalac's work in the legislature has included efforts to improve access to resources for immigrants and underrepresented communities. She has emphasized the importance of civic engagement and has worked to encourage participation in the democratic process among her constituents. Her experiences as a refugee and her professional background in social work have shaped her understanding of the challenges faced by marginalized populations.

In early 2026, Dhalac announced that she would not seek reelection, citing a growing sense of hostility and safety concerns during her time in the Maine Legislature. Her decision came amid scrutiny of Gateway Community Services, where she previously served as co-executive director. The organization faced allegations of overbilling the state for Medicaid services, leading to calls for her removal from the appropriations committee by state Republican leaders.

Dhalac's legislative service reflects her commitment to her community and her dedication to addressing the needs of her constituents. As a trailblazer in Maine politics, she has played a significant role in increasing representation for Somali-Americans and other immigrant communities in the state. Her journey from a refugee to a state legislator exemplifies the potential for individuals to effect change within their communities through public service.