In a decision that has reverberated across civic and immigrant communities in New England, State Representative Deqa Dhalac, a trailblazing Somali-American leader, announced she will not seek reelection to the Maine House of Representatives, attributing her decision to ongoing threats, racism, and harassment she has experienced during her time in office.
Dhalac, 59, has been a prominent figure in Maine politics for several years. After emigrating from Mogadishu, Somalia, more than three decades ago, she made history in 2018 as the first Somali-American and the first Muslim elected to South Portland’s city council and then became the first Somali-American mayor in the United States in 2021. In 2022, she joined the Maine Legislature, representing House District 120.
But in a press statement released January 29, Dhalac explained that the hostile political climate facing Black and Brown elected officials—including persistent racist rhetoric and threats—played a central role in her choice to step back from elected office. “These dangers are real and carry heavy emotional and physical consequences not only for those serving but for their families as well,” she said.
A Broader Pattern of Targeting Minority Elected Officials
Dhalac’s announcement comes amid increasing national concern about the safety and well-being of politicians from immigrant or minority backgrounds. Nationally, other Somali-American figures like U.S. Representative Ilhan Omar have faced hostility; incidents such as an attack involving an unknown substance at one of her public events in Minnesota were cited by Dhalac as reflective of a worsening atmosphere for lawmakers of color.
Locally, coverage across New England media, including outlets like NEAT Media, underscores how federal policies and enforcement actions, including changes to immigration enforcement operations, have exacerbated fears within immigrant communities. Recent reports highlight increased anxiety among immigrants in Maine and Massachusetts about enforcement tactics and racial profiling, illustrating the broader challenges many families and community leaders face in the region.
Political Pressures and Controversies
Dhalac’s tenure also included political scrutiny from opponents. Earlier this month, Maine Republicans sought her removal from the Legislature’s budget committee over her prior association with a nonprofit provider under state investigation, a claim she has consistently rejected, noting her limited involvement and lack of connection to the disputed billing practices.
Despite these pressures, Dhalac emphasized that her decision not to seek another term is not a retreat from advocacy. She stated her commitment “to justice, community empowerment, and the fight for equity” and pledged to continue working alongside the communities she has long served outside elected office.
The Legacy and What’s Next
The labor union leader, Jason Shedlock, is already planning to run for the seat Dhalac will leave open, representing a reliably Democratic district. In her announcement, Dhalac expressed gratitude to her constituents and reflected on her years of service as among “one of the greatest honors” of her life.
Her decision marks a significant moment in the ongoing conversation about diversity, inclusion, and equitable representation in American politics, illustrating both the progress achieved by immigrant leaders and the persistent challenges they continue to face.
Said Abdikarim is a visionary business and nonprofit leader with more than a decade of experience in strategic communications, public policy, and civic engagement. His work spans nonprofit, educational, and public-sector organizations, where he has led high-impact initiatives focused on narrative strategy, complex project management, and meaningful engagement with diverse communities and stakeholders.
