Pious Ali
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Pious Ali | |
|---|---|
| At-large Member of the Portland City Council | |
| Assumed office 2016 | |
| Preceded by | Jon Hinck |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Ghana |
| Nationality | American |
| Residence(s) | Portland, Maine, U.S. |
| Profession | Youth educator, community leader |
Pious Ali is a Ghanaian-American community leader, youth educator, and politician serving as an at-large member of the Portland City Council in Portland, Maine. Ali was the first African-born Muslim elected to public office in Maine.[1]
Early life and education
[edit]Ali was born in Ghana and immigrated to the United States in 2000, settling in Portland, Maine in 2002.[2] His early professional work focused on youth development, leadership training, and intercultural education. He later worked with the organization Seeds of Peace, helping facilitate programs centered on conflict resolution and youth leadership.[3]
Public Office
[edit]Before entering elected office, Ali was active in community organizations focused on immigrant empowerment, education, and youth engagement. He led and supported programs aimed at helping young people navigate civic life and cross-cultural understanding.[2]
In 2013, Ali was elected to the Portland Board of Public Education, becoming the first African-born Muslim to win elected office in the city.[2]
Ali was elected as an at-large member of the Portland City Council in 2016 and has since been re-elected, including securing a fourth term in 2025 with 60.6% of the vote.[1]
On the council, Ali has served as Chair of the Housing Committee and has sponsored or supported reforms aimed at expanding affordable housing, revising zoning rules, and strengthening housing-first approaches to homelessness.[4]
References
[edit]- ^ a b "Pious Ali wins 4th term on Portland City Council, beating challenger Sam Aborne". Portland Press Herald. 4 November 2025. Retrieved 18 November 2025.
- ^ a b c "Pious Ali: Portland City Councilor". Maine Magazine. 21 December 2016. Retrieved 18 November 2025.
- ^ "Pious Ali". Seeds of Peace. Retrieved 18 November 2025.
- ^ "Re-elect Pious Ali". Pious Ali for Portland City Council. Retrieved 18 November 2025.