Representative Dan Sena

Danillo A. Sena is a Democratic member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives, representing the 37th Middlesex district since June 2020. He is the first Brazilian immigrant elected to a state legislature in the United States and a former DREAMer.

Born on September 7, 1986, in Timbaúba, Brazil, Danillo "Dan" Sena immigrated to Acton, Massachusetts, at age 14 with his mother. He graduated from Acton-Boxborough Regional High School and worked multiple jobs to support his education. Sena met his wife, Melinda Yim, a Cambodian refugee, at Middlesex Community College; they live in Acton with their three children: Juliana, Leonardo, and Matteo. Elected in a special election on June 2, 2020, to replace Jen Benson, he serves towns including Boxborough, Harvard, Ayer, Shirley, and parts of Acton and Groton. Notable achievements include being the first Brazilian-American and one of the first former DREAMers elected to state office. He is a member of the Massachusetts Black and Latino Legislative Caucus, House Progressive Caucus, Criminal Justice Reform Caucus, and Portuguese American Legislative Caucus.

Education and Political Experience

Sena attended public schools, starting at Middlesex Community College before transferring to the University of Massachusetts Amherst, where he earned a bachelor's degree in political science in 2013. Prior to his election, he interned and then served for six years as District Director for State Senator Jamie Eldridge , focusing on immigrant rights, healthcare access, racial justice, climate justice, public transportation, human services, and senior outreach. In the House, he serves on committees including Climate Action and Sustainability, Intergovernmental Affairs, Joint Committee on Agriculture, Joint Committee on Children, Families, and Persons with Disabilities, Education, Public Safety and Homeland Security, Advanced Information Technology, the Internet and Cybersecurity, and Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure. He supports education funding, teacher resources, climate action, and immigrant protections, and has co-sponsored bills on key issues.