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State Senator
Bruce E. Tarr
First Essex and Middlesex District · Republican · Minority Leader
Towns: Boxford, Essex, Georgetown, Gloucester, Groveland, Hamilton, Ipswich, Manchester-by-the-Sea, Middleton, Newbury, Newburyport, North Andover, North Reading, Rockport, Rowley, Salisbury, Topsfield, Wenham, West Newbury (some only in part)
- 2025–2026 State Senator, First Essex and Middlesex · Republican
- 2023–2024 State Senator, First Essex and Middlesex · Republican
- 2021–2022 State Senator, First Essex and Middlesex · Republican
- 2019–2020 State Senator, First Essex and Middlesex · Republican
An email with their new roll call votes when the Legislature votes, at most once a week.
Election Day · Tuesday, Nov 3
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Find my ballot →Record at a glance · 2025–2026 · Senate
237 of 237roll calls voted on (100%) · whole Senate 99%
19no votes (8% of votes cast) · whole Senate 23%
77 of 102split votes where Tarr was in the minority (75%) · whole Senate 14%
0times voted “present”
Session by session
| Session | Roll calls voted on | No votes | In the minority (split votes) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025–2026 | 237 of 237 | 19 | 77 of 102 |
| 2023–2024 | 250 of 250 | 19 | 54 of 85 |
| 2021–2022 | 258 of 258 | 34 | 79 of 103 |
| 2019–2020 | 471 of 471 | 45 | 98 of 252 |
How these numbers work
- Counted from the official House and Senate roll calls. Quorum calls are not counted, nor joint sessions and the vote electing the Senate President.
- “Roll calls voted on” matches the Missed votes figures below; voting “present” counts as voting.
- A split vote is one where at least one member voted yes and another voted no (ties not counted). “In the minority” means on the side with fewer votes.
- “Whole Senate” combines every member’s record for the same session. Percentages are shown only with at least 10 votes to count.
- Most bills pass or die without a roll call, so these numbers cover only part of a legislator’s work.
- Party is shown as the Legislature lists it, next to the district. MassVoter never compares, groups or ranks legislators by party.
These numbers describe the record; they are not a grade. A no vote or a minority vote is neither good nor bad. MassVoter never rates legislators.
Committees and leadership · 2025–2026
Leadership: Minority Leader
- Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources
- Joint Committee on Financial Services
- Joint Committee on Racial Equity, Civil Rights, and Inclusion
- Joint Committee on Rules
- Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy
- Joint Committee on Tourism, Arts and Cultural Development
- Senate Committee on Bills in the Third Reading
- Senate Committee on Ethics
- Senate Committee on Rules
- Senate Committee on Steering and Policy
Most bills are shaped in committee before any floor vote; committee chairs decide which bills move. Source: malegislature.gov (committee lists as of Oct 10, 2026).
Missed votes
2025–2026so farSenateMissed 0 of 237 roll callsRank 1 of 40 senators · Every roll call100%voted2023–2024SenateMissed 0 of 250 roll callsRank 1 of 40 senators · Every roll call100%voted2021–2022SenateMissed 0 of 258 roll callsRank 1 of 40 senators · Every roll call100%voted2019–2020SenateMissed 0 of 471 roll callsRank 1 of 41 senators · Every roll call100%votedRoll calls this member did not vote on, while serving in the Senate. Ties share a rank. The record does not say why a member did not vote. See every senator →
Campaign money
$91,813raised in 2025–26
$83,409spent in 2025–26
$527,841cash on hand through Sep 30, 2026
Where the 2025–26 contributions came from
Gifts from individuals
Year by year
| Year | Raised | Spent | Cash at the end |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $43,556 | $26,504 | $527,841 so far |
| 2025 | $48,257 | $56,904 | $510,790 |
| 2024 | $75,777 | $62,936 | $519,437 |
| 2023 | $78,706 | $37,924 | $506,597 |
| 2022 | $79,679 | $89,448 | $465,814 |
| 2021 | $52,367 | $17,243 | $474,582 |
| 2020 | $15,835 | $24,777 | $439,458 |
As reported to OCPF. See the full reports at OCPF
How to read this
- Candidates report to OCPF, the state’s campaign finance office. Most file with a bank that reports to OCPF, so totals are updated often.
- “Raised” is all money the campaign took in, including loans from the candidate. “Cash on hand” is what was left on the latest report.
- Shares count contributions only, from the line-by-line reports up to the latest bank report date, so they are shown as percentages. “PACs and other political committees” includes party committees. “Small gifts not listed one by one” are gifts of $50 or less that the law lets campaigns report as one total.
- Outside spending is money spent by groups that are not part of the campaign, such as independent expenditure PACs. The candidate does not control it.
- Federal candidates (U.S. Senate and U.S. House) report to the Federal Election Commission, not OCPF, and are not shown here.
- MassVoter updates these numbers every night from OCPF. Last update: October 12, 2026.
These numbers describe the money; they are not a grade. Raising more or less is neither good nor bad. MassVoter does not connect donations to votes or positions.
Financial interests: State and county elected officials, and candidates for those offices, must file a yearly Statement of Financial Interests with the State Ethics Commission, listing sources of income, business interests and real estate. Anyone can ask for a copy; the Commission tells the filer who asked. How to request a copy (State Ethics Commission)
In the news
- Massachusetts Moves to Curb Rising Wrong-Way Driving Deaths with New Law, Technology PushNew Bedford Guide · Aug 1, 2026
- Senators keep momentum behind abortion law changesWWLP 22News · Jul 31, 2026
- Governor Healey announces statewide deployment of state-of-the-art technology to improve road safety and prevent wrong-way driving Fall River Reporter · Jun 17, 2026
- Mass. Senate unanimously approves budget bill to expand wrong-way driving prevention technology7News WHDH · May 21, 2026
- Sunflower analogy surfaces question: What makes the state grow?WWLP 22News · May 19, 2026
- Surtax could require Giannis ‘overpay,’ senator suggestsWWLP 22News · May 19, 2026
- Massachusetts Gov. Healey Asks For Recovery Help From Navy in Tragic F/V Lily Jean SinkingNew Bedford Guide · May 17, 2026
- Liability woes leave snow contractors on slippery groundWWLP 22News · May 17, 2025
- GOP leader in Mass. Senate discusses budget prioritiesNBC Boston · May 16, 2025
Stories that name Bruce E. Tarr in the headline or opening, newest first, from 25 free news outlets (see the list). Headlines appear as each outlet published them; MassVoter does not write, choose or rate them. Only stories that are free to read are listed.
Disclosure: MassVoter’s founder, Michael Silvia, is the publisher of Fall River Reporter and New Bedford Guide.
Most divided votes
For each session, the 10 roll calls where the losing side was largest, with how Bruce E. Tarr voted. Most roll calls in the Massachusetts Legislature pass by wide margins, so these are where members split the most.
2025–2026
To save people money, repair the climate and grow the economyAdd a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: No19–20 · Amendment rejectedTo save people money, repair the climate and grow the economyAdd a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: Yes9–30 · Amendment rejectedState budget for fiscal year 2027Add a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: Yes9–30 · Amendment rejectedPromoting rule of law, oversight, trust and equal constitutional treatmentAdd a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: Yes10–29 · Amendment rejectedModernizing the commonwealth’s cannabis lawsAdd a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: Yes11–26 · Amendment rejectedState budget for fiscal year 2026Add a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: Yes9–30 · Amendment rejectedState budget for fiscal year 2026Add a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: Yes12–28 · Amendment rejectedFiscal Year 2025 Supplemental AppropriationsAdd a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: Yes10–28 · Amendment rejectedFiscal Year 2025 Supplemental AppropriationsAdd a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: Yes12–26 · Amendment rejectedProposed Joint Rules for the Senate and House of Representatives for the 2025-2026 Legislative SessionAdd a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: Yes9–29 · Amendment rejectedEarlier sessions (30)
Enhancing the health care market review processAdd a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: Yes9–30 · Amendment rejectedEnhancing the health care market review processAdd a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: Yes14–25 · Amendment rejectedEnhancing the health care market review processAdd a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: No10–30 · Amendment rejectedRelative to strengthening Massachusetts’ economic leadershipAdd a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: No31–9 · Amendment adoptedState budget for fiscal year 2025Add a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: Yes30–9 · Amendment adoptedState budget for fiscal year 2025Add a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: Yes10–29 · Amendment rejectedSupplemental budget for fiscal year 2024Final approval before the bill goes to the GovernorVoted: No29–9 · PassedSupplemental budget for fiscal year 2024Accept the final compromise version worked out by House and Senate negotiatorsVoted: No29–9 · PassedSupplemental budget for fiscal year 2024Add a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: Yes12–27 · Amendment rejectedTo improve the Commonwealth’s competitiveness, affordability, and equityAdd a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: No9–30 · Amendment rejectedPromoting diversion of juveniles to community supervision and servicesAdd a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: Yes12–26 · Amendment rejectedRelative to forfeiture reformAdd a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: Yes10–29 · Amendment rejectedRelative to work and family mobilityAdd a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: Yes10–29 · Amendment rejectedRegulating sports wageringAdd a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: No14–26 · Amendment rejectedDriving climate policy forwardAdd a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: No11–28 · Amendment rejectedMaking appropriations for fiscal year 2022 to provide for supplementing certain existing appropriations and for certain other activities and projectsAdd a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: Yes11–29 · Amendment rejectedEstablishing Congressional districtsApprove the bill in this chamber (it still needs the other chamber and a final vote)Voted: No26–13 · PassedFostering voter opportunities, trust, equity and securityAdd a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: No12–26 · Amendment rejectedFostering voter opportunities, trust, equity and securityAdd a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: Yes13–25 · Amendment rejectedProposed Senate Rules for the 2021-2022 Legislative SessionAdd a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: Yes10–29 · Amendment rejectedAuthorizing and accelerating transportation investmentAdd a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: Yes14–25 · Amendment rejectedTo reform police standards and shift resources to build a more equitable, fair and just commonwealth that values Black lives and communities of colorAdd a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: Yes16–24 · Amendment rejectedTo reform police standards and shift resources to build a more equitable, fair and just commonwealth that values Black lives and communities of colorAdd a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: Yes16–24 · Amendment rejectedTo reform police standards and shift resources to build a more equitable, fair and just commonwealth that values Black lives and communities of colorAdd a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: Yes16–24 · Amendment rejectedRelative to voting options in response to COVID-19Add a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: Yes14–25 · Amendment rejectedRelative to voting options in response to COVID-19Add a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: Yes16–23 · Amendment rejectedRelative to automated enforcementAdd a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: Yes18–19 · Amendment rejectedRelative to automated enforcementAdd a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: Yes13–24 · Amendment rejectedRelative to educational opportunity for studentsAdd a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: Yes14–24 · Amendment rejectedTo reform police standards and shift resources to build a more equitable, fair and just commonwealth that values Black lives and communities of colorAdd a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: No16–23 · Amendment rejectedVotes by topic
Roll calls sorted by subject, from the bill title and the question voted on. A vote can fall under more than one topic; budget amendments mostly fall under Taxes and budgets. Tap a topic to see each vote.
Taxes and budgets 480
Health and human services 82
Water, sewer and environment 82
Roads, traffic and transit 49
Schools and education 44
Police, fire and public safety 41
Parks, recreation and libraries 25
Housing and zoning 15
Energy and utilities 14
Elections and how government runs 13
Licenses and permits 12
Appointments and hiring 12
Veterans 11
Bills they filed · 2025–2026
Bruce E. Tarr filed 193 bills as lead sponsor this session, including 6 filed “by request”. Sorted by subject from each bill’s title; a bill can fall under more than one.
Filing a bill puts an idea before the Legislature. Most bills are not voted on as filed: committees often combine several bills into one new bill, so a law can include a legislator’s idea without carrying their bill number. MassVoter lists what was filed, not what passed. Bills marked “by request” were filed for a constituent, as the state constitution’s right of petition allows, and may not reflect the legislator’s own view.
Health and human services 18
Taxes and budgets 15
Police, fire and public safety 15
Schools and education 11
Water, sewer and environment 7
Licenses and permits 7
Housing and zoning 5
Energy and utilities 5
Elections and how government runs 4
Roads, traffic and transit 4
Parks, recreation and libraries 3
Appointments and hiring 1
Veterans 1
Other subjects 107
Source: malegislature.gov (as of Oct 11, 2026).
Bills they signed on to · 2025–2026
Bruce E. Tarr signed on as a co-sponsor of 1,053 bills filed by other legislators this session. Co-sponsoring means adding your name in support when a bill is filed; it is not a vote. Sorted by subject from each bill’s title; a bill can fall under more than one.
Health and human services 138
Schools and education 82
Taxes and budgets 57
Water, sewer and environment 51
Police, fire and public safety 49
Roads, traffic and transit 41
Housing and zoning 40
Appointments and hiring 35
Energy and utilities 32
Veterans 27
Elections and how government runs 25
Licenses and permits 10
Parks, recreation and libraries 7
Other subjects 549
Source: malegislature.gov (as of Oct 10, 2026). Bills they filed themselves are not listed here.
How Bruce E. Tarr voted
1,225 recorded votes
Authorizing the town of Bourne to convey a right-of-way and easementFinal approval before the bill goes to the GovernorVoted: Yes39–0 · PassedAuthorizing the Massachusetts Department of Transportation to acquire interests in certain portions of land owned by the town of Andover which were ac…Final approval before the bill goes to the GovernorVoted: Yes39–0 · PassedAuthorizing the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, acting by and through its Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance, to grant permanent ease…Final approval before the bill goes to the GovernorVoted: Yes39–0 · PassedAuthorizing the Massachusetts Department of Fish and Game to convey easements over certain parcels of landFinal approval before the bill goes to the GovernorVoted: Yes39–0 · PassedRelative to the Pilgrim Memorial Park in PlymouthFinal approval before the bill goes to the GovernorVoted: Yes39–0 · PassedAuthorizing the Buzzards Bay Water District to convey non-exclusive easements over a certain parcel of landFinal approval before the bill goes to the GovernorVoted: Yes38–1 · PassedAuthorizing the town of Hingham to grant to the commonwealth of Massachusetts certain parcels of land in the town of Hingham for highway purposesFinal approval before the bill goes to the GovernorVoted: Yes39–0 · PassedAuthorizing the town of Nantucket conservation commission to convey a certain parcel of land situated in the town for purposes of conveyance to the to…Final approval before the bill goes to the GovernorVoted: Yes39–0 · PassedRelative to James J. O'Neil ParkFinal approval before the bill goes to the GovernorVoted: Yes39–0 · PassedEnhancing child welfare protectionsAccept the final compromise version worked out by House and Senate negotiatorsVoted: Yes40–0 · PassedTo improve Massachusetts home careAccept the final compromise version worked out by House and Senate negotiatorsVoted: Yes40–0 · PassedAuthorizing the Massachusetts Department of Transportation to take easements over certain land located in the city of Woburn and the town of Burlingto…Final approval before the bill goes to the GovernorVoted: Yes39–0 · PassedAuthorizing the release or exclusion of certain land from conservation restrictions in the town of DeerfieldFinal approval before the bill goes to the GovernorVoted: Yes39–0 · PassedAuthorizing the town of Billerica to transfer control of certain land in the town of Billerica for the Yankee Doodle Bike PathFinal approval before the bill goes to the GovernorVoted: Yes39–0 · PassedAuthorizing the transfer of certain parcels of land in the town of Weston from the Weston conservation commission to the select boardFinal approval before the bill goes to the GovernorVoted: Yes39–0 · PassedRelative to a conservation restriction in the town of MiddletonFinal approval before the bill goes to the GovernorCo-sponsor Voted: Yes39–0 · PassedAuthorizing the Barnstable county and the town of Bourne to convey certain parcels of land and certain interests in land in the town of BourneFinal approval before the bill goes to the GovernorVoted: Yes39–0 · PassedAuthorizing the commissioner of capital asset management and maintenance to transfer certain parcels of land in the town of NortonFinal approval before the bill goes to the GovernorVoted: Yes39–0 · PassedRelating to the transfer of interest in land in West BrookfieldFinal approval before the bill goes to the GovernorVoted: Yes39–0 · PassedRelative to the dissolution of the Holmes Park Water DistrictFinal approval before the bill goes to the GovernorVoted: Yes39–0 · PassedAuthorizing the town of Dighton to use a portion of conservation land for public way purposesFinal approval before the bill goes to the GovernorVoted: Yes39–0 · PassedPromoting transparency and public access in state governmentApprove the bill in this chamber (it still needs the other chamber and a final vote)Voted: No34–6 · PassedPromoting transparency and public access in state governmentAdd a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: Yes6–33 · Amendment rejectedPromoting transparency and public access in state governmentAdd a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: Yes40–0 · Amendment adoptedRelative to economic development in the commonwealthAdd a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: Yes5–34 · Amendment rejectedSource: official profile on malegislature.gov. Only roll call votes are listed; bills passed on a voice vote have no individual record. MassVoter never grades or scores legislators. How to read this