Simpson served as a Democratic State Senator from Maine's 15th District, representing part of Androscoggin County, including her residence in Auburn from 2008 to 2010.
[2] She was unable to seek re-election to the House in 2008 due to term-limits.
In one of the tightest 2008 state senate campaigns, Simpson challenged incumbent Republican Lois Snowe-Mello.
[3] She ran for the State Senate and unseated Snowe-Mello by 104 votes.
In a Republican wave election, Simpson lost to Snowe-Mello in 2010.