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State Senator
Edward J. Kennedy
First Middlesex District · Democrat
Towns: Dracut, Dunstable, Lowell, Pepperell, Tyngsborough (some only in part)
- 2025–2026 State Senator, First Middlesex · Democrat
- 2023–2024 State Senator, First Middlesex · Democrat
- 2021–2022 State Senator, First Middlesex · Democrat
- 2019–2020 State Senator, First Middlesex · Democrat
An email with their new roll call votes when the Legislature votes, at most once a week.
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Find my ballot →Record at a glance · 2025–2026 · Senate
70 of 70roll calls voted on (100%) · whole Senate 99%
26no votes (37% of votes cast) · whole Senate 23%
1 of 36split votes where Kennedy was in the minority (3%) · whole Senate 14%
0times voted “present”
Session by session
| Session | Roll calls voted on | No votes | In the minority (split votes) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025–2026 | 70 of 70 | 26 | 1 of 36 |
| 2023–2024 | 250 of 250 | 46 | 3 of 85 |
| 2021–2022 | 258 of 258 | 49 | 4 of 103 |
| 2019–2020 | 471 of 471 | 65 | 4 of 253 |
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.
Missed votes
2025–2026so farSenateMissed 0 of 70 roll calls (served part of the session)Rank 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
$1,067raised in 2025–26
$20,631spent in 2025–26
$32,440cash 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 | $0 | $0 | $32,440 so far |
| 2025 | $1,067 | $20,631 | $32,440 |
| 2024 | $14,378 | $32,331 | $52,004 |
| 2023 | $11,808 | $2,170 | $69,957 |
| 2022 | $24,125 | $5,734 | $60,320 |
| 2021 | $18,518 | $2,014 | $41,928 |
| 2020 | $12,687 | $1,182 | $25,424 |
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 13, 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
- Hundreds attend Joan Kennedy’s funeral Wednesday in Boston7News WHDH · Oct 15, 2025
- Joan Kennedy, first wife of Sen. Edward Kennedy, has diedWPRI 12 · Oct 8, 2025
- Joan Kennedy, first wife of Sen. Edward Kennedy, has died at 897News WHDH · Oct 8, 2025
- Flags half-staff in Massachusetts to honor the passing of State Senator Edward J. KennedyWWLP 22News · Oct 7, 2025
- Sen. Edward Kennedy of Lowell dies, at 74CommonWealth Beacon · Oct 2, 2025
- Massachusetts State Sen. Edward Kennedy of Lowell dies at 74NBC Boston · Oct 2, 2025
- Massachusetts Senator Edward Kennedy passes away at 74WWLP 22News · Oct 2, 2025
Stories that name Edward J. Kennedy 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 Edward J. Kennedy voted. Most roll calls in the Massachusetts Legislature pass by wide margins, so these are where members split the most.
2025–2026
State budget for fiscal year 2026Add a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: No9–30 · Amendment rejectedState budget for fiscal year 2026Add a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: No12–28 · 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: No12–26 · Amendment rejectedProposed Joint Rules for the Senate and House of Representatives for the 2025-2026 Legislative SessionAdd a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: No9–29 · Amendment rejectedEarlier sessions (30)
Enhancing the health care market review processAdd a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: No9–30 · 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: Yes31–9 · Amendment adoptedState budget for fiscal year 2025Add a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: No30–9 · Amendment adoptedState budget for fiscal year 2025Add a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: No10–29 · Amendment rejectedSupplemental budget for fiscal year 2024Final approval before the bill goes to the GovernorVoted: Yes29–9 · PassedSupplemental budget for fiscal year 2024Accept the final compromise version worked out by House and Senate negotiatorsVoted: Yes29–9 · PassedSupplemental budget for fiscal year 2024Add a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: No12–27 · 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: No12–26 · Amendment rejectedRelative to forfeiture reformAdd a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: No10–29 · Amendment rejectedRelative to work and family mobilityAdd a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: No10–29 · Amendment rejectedRegulating sports wageringAdd a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: Yes14–26 · 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: No11–29 · Amendment rejectedEstablishing Congressional districtsApprove the bill in this chamber (it still needs the other chamber and a final vote)Voted: Yes26–13 · 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: No10–29 · Amendment rejectedAuthorizing and accelerating transportation investmentAdd a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: No14–25 · 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: No16–24 · 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: No16–24 · 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: No14–25 · Amendment rejectedRelative to voting options in response to COVID-19Add a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: No16–23 · Amendment rejectedRelative to automated enforcementAdd a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: No18–19 · 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: No14–24 · 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 417
Health and human services 80
Water, sewer and environment 66
Police, fire and public safety 41
Roads, traffic and transit 41
Schools and education 39
Parks, recreation and libraries 22
Housing and zoning 13
Appointments and hiring 12
Energy and utilities 12
Elections and how government runs 10
Veterans 9
Licenses and permits 5
Bills they filed · 2025–2026
Edward J. Kennedy filed 47 bills as lead sponsor this session, including 2 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.
Schools and education 8
Health and human services 7
Housing and zoning 5
Water, sewer and environment 4
Taxes and budgets 3
Appointments and hiring 2
Police, fire and public safety 1
Energy and utilities 1
Roads, traffic and transit 1
Elections and how government runs 1
Licenses and permits 1
Other subjects 17
Source: malegislature.gov (as of Oct 11, 2026).
Bills they signed on to · 2025–2026
Edward J. Kennedy signed on as a co-sponsor of 622 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 70
Schools and education 48
Water, sewer and environment 37
Housing and zoning 30
Police, fire and public safety 28
Roads, traffic and transit 26
Appointments and hiring 25
Taxes and budgets 24
Energy and utilities 18
Veterans 14
Elections and how government runs 12
Licenses and permits 6
Parks, recreation and libraries 6
Other subjects 325
Source: malegislature.gov (as of Oct 10, 2026). Bills they filed themselves are not listed here.
How Edward J. Kennedy voted
1,058 recorded votes
Relative to justice, equity and accountability in law enforcement in the CommonwealthAdd a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: No12–28 · Amendment rejectedProviding for access to reproductive health servicesAdd a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: No8–32 · Amendment rejectedAuthorizing the conveyance of easements and conservation restrictions to watershed lands of the city known as the town of West SpringfieldFinal approval before the bill goes to the GovernorVoted: Yes40–0 · PassedRegarding a pavilion in Mary Dennison ParkFinal approval before the bill goes to the GovernorVoted: Yes40–0 · PassedAuthorizing the commissioner of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance to convey an easement in certain land in the city of PeabodyFinal approval before the bill goes to the GovernorVoted: Yes40–0 · PassedState budget for fiscal year 2021Accept the final compromise version worked out by House and Senate negotiatorsVoted: Yes40–0 · PassedRelative to justice, equity and accountability in law enforcement in the CommonwealthMake the law take effect right away (emergency preamble)Voted: Yes28–11 · PassedRelative to justice, equity and accountability in law enforcement in the CommonwealthAccept the final compromise version worked out by House and Senate negotiatorsVoted: Yes28–12 · PassedState budget for fiscal year 2021Approve the bill in this chamber (it still needs the other chamber and a final vote)Voted: Yes40–0 · PassedState budget for fiscal year 2021Add a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: No12–27 · Amendment rejectedState budget for fiscal year 2021Add a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: No9–30 · Amendment rejectedState budget for fiscal year 2021Add a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: No4–35 · Amendment rejectedState budget for fiscal year 2021Add a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: No7–32 · Amendment rejectedState budget for fiscal year 2021Add a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: No4–35 · Amendment rejectedState budget for fiscal year 2021Add a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: Yes39–0 · Amendment adoptedState budget for fiscal year 2021Add a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: Yes39–0 · Amendment adoptedState budget for fiscal year 2021Add a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: Yes33–7 · Amendment adoptedState budget for fiscal year 2021Add a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: No5–35 · Amendment rejectedState budget for fiscal year 2021Add a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: Yes39–0 · Amendment adoptedState budget for fiscal year 2021Add a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: Yes39–0 · Amendment adoptedState budget for fiscal year 2021Add a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: Yes39–0 · Amendment adoptedState budget for fiscal year 2021Add a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: No5–34 · Amendment rejectedAuthorizing the University of Massachusetts to convey a certain parcel of land and buildings to the city of WalthamFinal approval before the bill goes to the GovernorVoted: Yes39–0 · PassedAuthorizing the town of Littleton to use certain land for construction of a water treatment facility without Article 97 restrictions on such useFinal approval before the bill goes to the GovernorVoted: Yes39–0 · PassedFinancing the general governmental infrastructure of the CommonwealthFinal approval before the bill goes to the GovernorVoted: Yes39–0 · PassedSource: 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