Meet Dan
BACKGROUND
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.
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.
PUBLIC SERVICE
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.
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.
