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State Senator
Joanne M. Comerford
Hampshire, Franklin and Worcester District · Democrat
Towns: Amherst, Ashburnham, Athol, Bernardston, Deerfield, Erving, Gill, Greenfield, Hadley, Hatfield, Leverett, Leyden, Montague, New Salem, Northampton, Northfield, Orange, Pelham, Petersham, Royalston, Shutesbury, Sunderland, Warwick, Wendell, Winchendon (some only in part)
- 2025–2026 State Senator, Hampshire, Franklin and Worcester · Democrat
- 2023–2024 State Senator, Hampshire, Franklin and Worcester · Democrat
- 2021–2022 State Senator, Hampshire, Franklin and Worcester · Democrat
- 2019–2020 State Senator, Hampshire, Franklin and Worcester · Democrat
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Find my ballot →Record at a glance · 2025–2026 · Senate
Session by session
| Session | Roll calls voted on | No votes | In the minority (split votes) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025–2026 | 236 of 237 | 61 | 1 of 102 |
| 2023–2024 | 250 of 250 | 47 | 0 of 85 |
| 2021–2022 | 258 of 258 | 52 | 3 of 103 |
| 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
- Joint Committee on Higher Education Chair
- Joint Committee on Agriculture and Fisheries
- Joint Committee on Racial Equity, Civil Rights, and Inclusion
- Joint Committee on Ways and Means
- Senate Committee on Climate Change and Global Warming
- Senate Committee on Post Audit and Oversight
- Senate Committee on Steering and Policy
- Senate Committee on Ways and Means
- Subcommittee on chapter 250 of the acts of 2024
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 1 of 237 roll callsRank 32 of 40 senators99%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
Where the 2025–26 contributions came from
Gifts from individuals
Contributions deposited since Sep 30: $83, from deposit reports. They will be in the totals above when the next bank report comes in.
Year by year
| Year | Raised | Spent | Cash at the end |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $24,044 | $19,197 | $135,841 so far |
| 2025 | $65,338 | $25,562 | $130,895 |
| 2024 | $59,940 | $37,668 | $90,853 |
| 2023 | $41,024 | $26,868 | $67,603 |
| 2022 | $34,951 | $30,534 | $51,465 |
| 2021 | $34,200 | $26,531 | $47,048 |
| 2020 | $48,597 | $30,837 | $39,210 |
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
- Northampton awarded $1.5M grant for ValleyBikeWWLP 22News · Apr 13, 2026
Stories that name Joanne M. Comerford 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 Joanne M. Comerford 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: Yes19–20 · 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: No9–30 · 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: 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: 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: 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: No16–24 · 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: 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: 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
Joanne M. Comerford filed 81 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 11
Health and human services 8
Police, fire and public safety 5
Energy and utilities 5
Appointments and hiring 3
Taxes and budgets 3
Roads, traffic and transit 2
Housing and zoning 2
Water, sewer and environment 2
Veterans 1
Licenses and permits 1
Elections and how government runs 1
Parks, recreation and libraries 1
Other subjects 42
Source: malegislature.gov (as of Oct 11, 2026).
Bills they signed on to · 2025–2026
Joanne M. Comerford signed on as a co-sponsor of 1,094 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 129
Schools and education 85
Water, sewer and environment 64
Housing and zoning 56
Police, fire and public safety 47
Taxes and budgets 40
Appointments and hiring 40
Roads, traffic and transit 33
Energy and utilities 30
Elections and how government runs 29
Veterans 17
Licenses and permits 10
Parks, recreation and libraries 9
Other subjects 581
Source: malegislature.gov (as of Oct 10, 2026). Bills they filed themselves are not listed here.
How Joanne M. Comerford voted
100 recorded votes on bills they co-sponsored
Fostering voter opportunities, trust, equity and securityAdd a proposed change (amendment) to the billCo-sponsor Voted: Yes38–0 · Amendment adoptedFostering voter opportunities, trust, equity and securityAdd a proposed change (amendment) to the billCo-sponsor Voted: Yes38–0 · Amendment adoptedFostering voter opportunities, trust, equity and securityAdd a proposed change (amendment) to the billCo-sponsor Voted: No7–31 · Amendment rejectedFostering voter opportunities, trust, equity and securityAdd a proposed change (amendment) to the billCo-sponsor Voted: No13–25 · Amendment rejectedFostering voter opportunities, trust, equity and securityAdd a proposed change (amendment) to the billCo-sponsor Voted: No3–35 · Amendment rejectedTo expand access to high-quality, affordable early education and careApprove the bill in this chamber (it still needs the other chamber and a final vote)Co-sponsor Voted: Yes40–0 · PassedTo expand access to high-quality, affordable early education and careQuestion on sustaining the ruling of the ChairCo-sponsor Voted: Yes34–5 · PassedRelative to pharmaceutical access, costs and transparencyApprove the bill in this chamber (it still needs the other chamber and a final vote)Co-sponsor Voted: Yes39–1 · PassedRelative to healthy youthApprove the bill in this chamber (it still needs the other chamber and a final vote)Co-sponsor Voted: Yes38–1 · PassedConcerning genocide educationApprove the bill in this chamber (it still needs the other chamber and a final vote)Co-sponsor Voted: Yes40–0 · PassedRelative to out-of-hospital birth access and safetyApprove the bill in this chamber (it still needs the other chamber and a final vote)Co-sponsor Voted: Yes39–0 · PassedResolve providing for the creation of a special commission relative to the seal and motto of the CommonwealthApprove the bill in this chamber (it still needs the other chamber and a final vote)Co-sponsor Voted: Yes39–0 · PassedCreating higher education opportunities for students with intellectual disabilities, autism, and other developmental disabilitiesApprove the bill in this chamber (it still needs the other chamber and a final vote)Co-sponsor Voted: Yes39–0 · PassedAuthorizing the town of Hadley to convey a conservation restriction on certain parcels of landFinal approval before the bill goes to the GovernorCo-sponsor Voted: Yes39–0 · PassedRelative to voting options in response to COVID-19Accept the final compromise version worked out by House and Senate negotiatorsCo-sponsor Voted: Yes39–0 · PassedRelative to voting options in response to COVID-19Approve the bill in this chamber (it still needs the other chamber and a final vote)Co-sponsor Voted: Yes40–0 · PassedAddressing barriers to care for mental healthAdd a proposed change (amendment) to the billCo-sponsor Voted: Yes37–0 · Amendment adoptedAddressing barriers to care for mental healthAdd a proposed change (amendment) to the billCo-sponsor Voted: Yes37–0 · Amendment adoptedAddressing barriers to care for mental healthAdd a proposed change (amendment) to the billCo-sponsor Voted: Yes37–0 · Amendment adoptedAddressing barriers to care for mental healthAdd a proposed change (amendment) to the billCo-sponsor Voted: Yes37–0 · Amendment adoptedAddressing barriers to care for mental healthAdd a proposed change (amendment) to the billCo-sponsor Voted: Yes37–0 · Amendment adoptedAddressing barriers to care for mental healthAdd a proposed change (amendment) to the billCo-sponsor Voted: Yes37–0 · Amendment adoptedRelative to abusive practices to change sexual orientation and gender identity in minorsApprove the bill in this chamber (it still needs the other chamber and a final vote)Co-sponsor Voted: Yes34–0 · PassedTo provide identification to homeless youth and familiesApprove the bill in this chamber (it still needs the other chamber and a final vote)Co-sponsor Voted: Yes37–0 · PassedAddressing barriers to care for mental healthApprove the bill in this chamber (it still needs the other chamber and a final vote)Co-sponsor Voted: Yes38–0 · 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