Senator Denise Tepler

Senator Denise Tepler is a dedicated public servant with a long history of commitment to her community and state. Born on May 15, 1956, in Philadelphia, she pursued her education at the University of Pennsylvania, where she earned both a Bachelor of Arts in anthropology and a Master of Arts in cultural anthropology. She furthered her studies in public policy at the University of Southern Maine.

Tepler’s career began in academia, where she worked as the director of internal communication at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock from 1981 to 1983. She also served as a curatorial assistant at the Peary–MacMillan Arctic Museum and later as a substitute teacher for the Brunswick School Department. Her passion for education led her to become an adjunct professor at the University of Maine and a research assistant for the Maine Humanities Council from 2006 to 2008.

In 1996, Tepler entered public service by being elected to the M.S.A.D #75 School Board, representing the towns of Bowdoin, Bowdoinham, Harpswell, and Topsham for six years. Her dedication to her community continued as she was elected to the Maine House of Representatives in 2014, where she served until 2022. During her tenure, she was the House Chair of the Health Coverage, Insurance and Financial Services Committee for four years. She championed bills to tackle Big Pharma and reduce drug prices, as well as fought to increase access to affordable health care. Tepler is also a strong advocate for women’s reproductive rights and veterans’ needs. Her efforts were recognized by the American Legion, Department of Maine, which named her Legislator of the Year in 2015 and 2016. In 2019, she was designated a Legislative Champion by Planned Parenthood for her work on LD 1261, which increased access to abortion care.

In 2024, Tepler was elected to the Maine State Senate, representing District 24. She assumed office on December 3, 2024, and her current term ends on December 1, 2026. Throughout her career, Tepler has been a strong advocate for her constituents, focusing on issues such as health care, education, and social justice. She currently serves on the Boards of the Maine Public Health Association and the MidCoast Hunger Prevention Program, where she is also a volunteer.

Senator Tepler and her husband, Sheldon, have raised their three daughters and two sons in Topsham, where all five attended Topsham Public Schools. Her dedication to her family and community is evident in her long-standing commitment to public service and her tireless efforts to improve the lives of those she represents.