Mattie Daughtry

Mattie Daughtry is an American politician currently serving as a member of the Maine State Senate, representing District 23. A member of the Democratic Party, she has held various legislative roles since 2012, including her current position as Senate President. Daughtry's political career is marked by her commitment to education and community issues, reflecting her deep roots in the state of Maine.

Early life and career

Mattie Daughtry was born on March 9, 1987, in Brunswick, Maine. Growing up in a politically engaged family, she was introduced to civic involvement at an early age. Her family’s active participation in voter registration and community service influenced her own interest in politics. Daughtry recalls campaigning on Maine Street in Brunswick for the presidency when she was just six years old, showcasing her early passion for political engagement. Additionally, her godmother served as a state representative, which provided Daughtry with firsthand experience of the legislative process; she even worked as a page at the State House during her youth.

Daughtry's educational journey began at the Maine Coast Waldorf School and continued at Brunswick High School, where she took classes at Bowdoin College while still a student. She later attended Smith College, where she majored in Studio Art, focusing on photography and sculpture. While at Smith, Daughtry pursued various interests that included journalism and media. She worked as a freelance photojournalist for the Times Record in Brunswick and trained under a professional photographer, Paul Cunningham. Her aspirations included becoming an on-air personality for NPR, leading her to establish and manage the news department at Smith's student radio station, WOZQ 91.9 FM. Daughtry also interned at WFCR in Amherst, Massachusetts, and gained experience working for Maine's 1st District Congressman Tom Allen.

After graduating from Smith College in 2009, Daughtry took on roles that combined her interests in art and politics. She worked as a curator for VSA Arts of Maine and engaged in freelance photography. Her career path eventually led her to serve as a communications associate and legislative researcher for Maine's Majority, a nonprofit organization focused on legislative issues. It was during this time that Daughtry decided to run for public office, motivated by personal financial challenges and a desire to address the concerns of young Mainers.

Legislative service

Daughtry's political career began when she was elected to the Maine House of Representatives in 2012. After the incumbent representative for District 66, Alexander Cornell du Houx, withdrew from the race, Daughtry entered the election and won with 45% of the vote. This victory made her the youngest female legislator in Maine's history at that time. During her tenure in the House, she served on the Joint Standing Committee on Education and Cultural Affairs and held the position of House Chair of the Maine Commission on College Affordability and College Completion.

Throughout her time in the House, Daughtry was involved in significant legislative efforts, including sponsoring a bill aimed at prohibiting standardized testing for children before the third grade. This bill was vetoed by then-Governor Paul LePage, who had pledged to veto all Democratic-sponsored legislation until certain tax reforms were agreed upon. However, the Maine Senate later overrode the governor's veto, illustrating Daughtry's influence and the support for her initiatives.

In 2020, Daughtry transitioned to the Maine Senate, initially representing District 24. She announced her candidacy for this position in January of that year and achieved a decisive victory in the Democratic primary, winning nearly 80% of the vote against a long-serving incumbent. In the general election, she secured over 66% of the vote against her Republican opponent, Brad Pattershall, an attorney. Following her election to the Senate, Daughtry was chosen by her peers to serve as Assistant Senate Majority Leader in February 2021 and was re-elected to this role in November 2022. In December 2024, she was unanimously elected President of the Maine Senate, making her the youngest individual to hold this position in the state's history.

Policy focus and district

As a member of the Maine State Senate, Daughtry represents District 23, which encompasses the communities of Brunswick, Chebeague Island, Freeport, Harpswell, Pownal, and part of North Yarmouth. Her legislative focus has been primarily on issues related to education, economic development, and community welfare. Daughtry's background in education and her experiences as a young legislator have shaped her approach to policy-making, emphasizing the importance of accessibility and affordability in education.

Daughtry's commitment to her constituents is evident in her advocacy for policies that support families, students, and local communities. Her work on the Maine Commission on College Affordability and College Completion reflects her dedication to improving educational opportunities for all Maine residents. Additionally, her experiences in the nonprofit sector have informed her understanding of the challenges faced by young people in Maine, particularly regarding financial stability and career opportunities.

In her role as Senate President, Daughtry is positioned to influence a wide range of legislative initiatives and priorities. Her leadership is characterized by a collaborative approach, seeking to build consensus among her colleagues while addressing the needs of her district and the state as a whole. Daughtry's ongoing service in the Maine State Senate underscores her commitment to public service and her desire to effect positive change within her community and beyond.

Daughtry resides in Brunswick with her partner and their pet coonhound. She is also a co-owner of Moderation Brewing Company, which opened in 2018, and continues to engage in photography and writing through her media company, Matthea Daughtry Media.