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State Senator
Joan B. Lovely
Second Essex District · Democrat · Assistant Majority Leader
Towns: Beverly, Danvers, Peabody, Salem (some only in part)
- 2025–2026 State Senator, Second Essex · Democrat
- 2023–2024 State Senator, Second Essex · Democrat
- 2021–2022 State Senator, Second Essex · Democrat
- 2019–2020 State Senator, Second Essex · Democrat
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%
62no votes (26% of votes cast) · whole Senate 23%
0 of 102split votes where Lovely was in the minority (0%) · 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 | 62 | 0 of 102 |
| 2023–2024 | 250 of 250 | 44 | 3 of 85 |
| 2021–2022 | 255 of 258 | 52 | 0 of 102 |
| 2019–2020 | 471 of 471 | 63 | 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.
Committees and leadership · 2025–2026
Leadership: Assistant Majority Leader
- Joint Committee on Rules Chair
- Senate Committee on Rules Chair
- Joint Committee on Aging and Independence
- Joint Committee on Agriculture and Fisheries
- Joint Committee on Community Development and Small Businesses
- Joint Committee on Emergency Preparedness and Management
- Senate Committee on Climate Change and Global Warming
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 3 of 258 roll callsRank 37 of 40 senators98%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
$18,360raised in 2025–26
$40,149spent in 2025–26
$13,036cash 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 | $3,362 | $21,434 | $13,036 so far |
| 2025 | $14,998 | $18,715 | $28,608 |
| 2024 | $53,833 | $94,403 | $31,317 |
| 2023 | $17,509 | $12,659 | $71,829 |
| 2022 | $70,541 | $83,042 | $66,815 |
| 2021 | $29,251 | $17,374 | $79,317 |
| 2020 | $9,372 | $17,927 | $67,441 |
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
- House-Senate talks begin on teacher retirement billWWLP 22News · Aug 2, 2026
- Senators keep momentum behind abortion law changesWWLP 22News · Jul 31, 2026
- Senate Closes Loophole: 16- and 17-Year-Olds Can’t Consent to Sex with Teachers or CoachesFall River Reporter · May 22, 2026
- Bill requires screening of postpartum criminal defendantsWWLP 22News · Oct 22, 2025
- Interior designers eye professional lane in MassachusettsWWLP 22News · Jul 15, 2025
- Will a bill to protect students from sex abuse by school staff finally pass this year?The New Bedford Light · Apr 21, 2025
Stories that name Joan B. Lovely 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 Joan B. Lovely 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: No9–30 · Amendment rejectedState budget for fiscal year 2027Add a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: No9–30 · Amendment rejectedPromoting rule of law, oversight, trust and equal constitutional treatmentAdd a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: No10–29 · Amendment rejectedModernizing the commonwealth’s cannabis lawsAdd a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: No11–26 · Amendment rejectedState 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: No10–28 · 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: Yes9–30 · Amendment rejectedEnhancing the health care market review processAdd a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: No14–25 · 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: No13–25 · 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: 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: 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: No13–24 · 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: Yes16–23 · 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
Joan B. Lovely filed 82 bills as lead sponsor this session, including 1 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 9
Appointments and hiring 8
Schools and education 5
Roads, traffic and transit 3
Energy and utilities 2
Police, fire and public safety 2
Housing and zoning 1
Parks, recreation and libraries 1
Veterans 1
Water, sewer and environment 1
Other subjects 52
Source: malegislature.gov (as of Oct 11, 2026).
Bills they signed on to · 2025–2026
Joan B. Lovely signed on as a co-sponsor of 788 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 87
Schools and education 57
Water, sewer and environment 47
Police, fire and public safety 42
Housing and zoning 36
Appointments and hiring 29
Taxes and budgets 28
Roads, traffic and transit 25
Elections and how government runs 18
Licenses and permits 14
Veterans 14
Energy and utilities 12
Parks, recreation and libraries 3
Other subjects 428
Source: malegislature.gov (as of Oct 10, 2026). Bills they filed themselves are not listed here.
How Joan B. Lovely voted
1,225 recorded votes
State budget for fiscal year 2024Override the Governor's vetoVoted: Yes38–0 · Veto overridden (needs two-thirds)State budget for fiscal year 2024Override the Governor's vetoVoted: Yes37–1 · Veto overridden (needs two-thirds)State budget for fiscal year 2024Override the Governor's vetoVoted: Yes38–0 · Veto overridden (needs two-thirds)State budget for fiscal year 2024Override the Governor's vetoVoted: Yes37–1 · Veto overridden (needs two-thirds)State budget for fiscal year 2024Override the Governor's vetoVoted: Yes38–0 · Veto overridden (needs two-thirds)State budget for fiscal year 2024Override the Governor's vetoVoted: Yes38–0 · Veto overridden (needs two-thirds)State budget for fiscal year 2024Override the Governor's vetoVoted: Yes37–1 · Veto overridden (needs two-thirds)State budget for fiscal year 2024Override the Governor's vetoVoted: Yes38–0 · Veto overridden (needs two-thirds)State budget for fiscal year 2024Override the Governor's vetoVoted: Yes37–1 · Veto overridden (needs two-thirds)State budget for fiscal year 2024Override the Governor's vetoVoted: Yes38–0 · Veto overridden (needs two-thirds)State budget for fiscal year 2024Override the Governor's vetoVoted: Yes38–0 · Veto overridden (needs two-thirds)State budget for fiscal year 2024Override the Governor's vetoVoted: Yes37–1 · Veto overridden (needs two-thirds)State budget for fiscal year 2024Override the Governor's vetoVoted: Yes38–0 · Veto overridden (needs two-thirds)State budget for fiscal year 2024Override the Governor's vetoVoted: Yes38–0 · Veto overridden (needs two-thirds)State budget for fiscal year 2024Override the Governor's vetoVoted: Yes38–0 · Veto overridden (needs two-thirds)State budget for fiscal year 2024Override the Governor's vetoVoted: Yes38–0 · Veto overridden (needs two-thirds)To improve the Commonwealth’s competitiveness, affordability, and equitySet aside the chamber's usual rules to take this up nowVoted: No3–33 · Did not passTo improve the Commonwealth’s competitiveness, affordability, and equityAccept the final compromise version worked out by House and Senate negotiatorsVoted: Yes38–1 · PassedState budget for fiscal year 2024Final approval before the bill goes to the GovernorVoted: Yes39–0 · PassedState budget for fiscal year 2024Accept the final compromise version worked out by House and Senate negotiatorsVoted: Yes39–0 · PassedFinancing improvements to municipal roads and bridgesFinal approval before the bill goes to the GovernorVoted: Yes38–0 · PassedTo provide identification to youth and adults experiencing homelessnessApprove the bill in this chamber (it still needs the other chamber and a final vote)Co-sponsor Voted: Yes38–0 · PassedTo improve the Commonwealth’s competitiveness, affordability, and equityApprove the bill in this chamber (it still needs the other chamber and a final vote)Voted: Yes39–0 · PassedTo improve the Commonwealth’s competitiveness, affordability, and equityAdd a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: No6–32 · Amendment rejectedTo improve the Commonwealth’s competitiveness, affordability, and equityAdd a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: No5–33 · 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