Olá,
My name is Danillo Sena, but you can call me Dan! I serve as the State Representative for the 37th Middlesex District, representing Boxborough, Harvard, Ayer, Shirley, and parts of Acton and Groton.
As a dreamer and the first Brazilian-American elected to the state legislature, I am proud to serve a district that is diverse, welcoming, and dynamic. Since I was elected in 2020, I have been a vocal supporter of our communities.
I have cared about politics for as long as I can remember. Before I left Brazil, I remember passing out notecards for my uncle, who represented my town on the select board. I witnessed the inequality in my neighborhood in Brazil, and I fought for leaders and policy that could help support all in the community.
When I moved to Acton at 14, I brought my passion for community and my advocacy. While attending Acton-Boxborough Public High School, I traveled to Washington D.C. to fight for Dreamers like myself, and I testified on Beacon Hill to make public higher education more affordable and accessible.
I live with my wife in Acton, where my three children attend public schools.
More About Dan
As State Representative for the 37th Middlesex district, Danillo “Dan” Sena is the first Brazilian immigrant to be elected to the Massachusetts legislature. Before his election, Dan served as Senator Jamie Eldridge’s District Director for six years, working to protect immigrant rights, ensure healthcare access, and make progress towards racial justice and climate justice. Now, Dan is continuing the fight on these issues and more in the Massachusetts House of Representatives. Dan has already co-sponsored a number of bills to further important issues. In the House, Dan is also a member of the Massachusetts Black and Latino Legislative Caucus.
Dan arrived in Acton, from Brazil at age 14 with his mother Eronides. He worked hard to achieve the American Dream. Before graduating from Acton-Boxborough Regional High School (ABRHS), Dan began working two to three jobs at a time to help pay his way through Middlesex Community College and then UMass Amherst, while enduring the many challenges of being a first-generation immigrant. Dan met his wife, Melinda Yim, a Cambodian refugee, at Middlesex Community College. They live in Acton with their three young children, Juliana, Leonardo, and Matteo.
After joining Senator Eldridge’s office as an intern in 2013, he joined the staff full-time in 2014, and has worked as Senator Eldridge’s district director, and as his liaison on public transportation, outreach to immigrants, improving human services, and planning the Senior Conference every year.
My Priorities/Experience
My Priorities:
As a parent and first Brazilian immigrant to be elected to a state legislature in America, I fight to ensure the Commonwealth of Massachusetts is a place where people from all backgrounds can thrive. I am passionate about investing in education, fighting against climate change, and ensuring our immigrants are supported.
At the State House, I serve on the Joint Committee on Education, the Joint Committee on Advanced Information Technology, the Internet and Cybersecurity, the Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure, and the Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security. I am also a member of the House Progressive Caucus, the Massachusetts Black and Latino Legislative Caucus, the Criminal Justice Reform Caucus, and the Portuguese American Legislative Caucus.
Experience:
After graduating college, I began working as State Senator Jamie Eldridge’s District Director. Through working with constituents and municipalities, I learned the difference that a legislator can make in a community. I believe that the government should work for the people, and I guided constituents through complex issues by helping to navigate the Commonwealth’s services. Through my six years in Senator Eldridge’s office, I became an advocate for our district.
EDUCATION
I am the product of public schools. After graduating Acton-Boxborough High School, I started at Middlesex Community College before transferring to the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, where I earned my bachelor's degree in political science in 2013.
My time in Massachusetts’ public schools taught me the value of learning, and instilled the belief that education should be affordable and available to everyone. However, our schools are only as good as our teachers. I support our educators, and as a member of the education committee in the State House of Representatives, I work tirelessly to build policy that ensures our teachers and students are set up for success.
