Deqa Dhalac won't seek re-election to Maine House, citing hostility and racism

Somali-American state lawmaker won't run for re-election, citing 'persistent racism, harassment'

"These dangers are real and carry heavy emotional and physical consequences not only for those serving, but for their families as well," said state Rep. Deqa Dhalac of South Portland.

Maine Rep. Deqa Dhalac says racism, harassment have led her to not seek reelection

The South Portland Democrat said she is grateful to serve but will not seek office again as she finishes her second two-year term in the Maine House.

Somali American lawmaker in Maine cites threats, racism in not seeking reelection

Rep. Deqa Dhalac, D-South Portland, had made history in 2021 as the first Somali American mayor in the country.

Deqa Dhalac won’t seek reelection to Maine Legislature

Democratic state representative Deqa Dhalac will not run for reelection because of an “increasingly hostile and unsafe” state Legislature, according to ABC affiliate WMTW. Dhalac’s announcement follows state Republicans calling for her removal from the Legislature’s budget committee because her former employer, Portland-based Gateway Community Services, is embroiled in a scandal over an alleged MaineCare fraud scheme. Dhalac, one of Maine’s firs…

Deqa Dhalac won't seek re-election to Maine House, citing hostility and racism

Dhalac said that she's experienced "persistent racism, harassment and threats" during her time as one of the first Somali-Americans to serve in the Maine Legislature.