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State Representative
John J. Lawn, Jr.
10th Middlesex District · Democrat
Towns: Newton, Waltham, Watertown (some only in part)
- 2025–2026 State Representative, 10th Middlesex · Democrat
- 2023–2024 State Representative, 10th Middlesex · Democrat
- 2021–2022 State Representative, 10th Middlesex · Democrat
- 2019–2020 State Representative, 10th Middlesex · 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 · House
240 of 267roll calls voted on (90%) · whole House 98%
66no votes (28% of votes cast) · whole House 26%
0 of 148split votes where Lawn was in the minority (0%) · whole House 11%
0times voted “present”
Session by session
| Session | Roll calls voted on | No votes | In the minority (split votes) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025–2026 | 240 of 267 | 66 | 0 of 148 |
| 2023–2024 | 198 of 201 | 22 | 0 of 106 |
| 2021–2022 | 235 of 235 | 40 | 1 of 116 |
| 2019–2020 | 430 of 430 | 91 | 13 of 302 |
How these numbers work
- Counted from the official House and Senate roll calls. Quorum calls are not counted.
- “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 House” 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
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 farMissed 27 of 267 roll callsRank 154 of 162 representatives89%voted2023–2024Missed 3 of 201 roll callsRank 104 of 164 representatives98%voted2021–2022Missed 0 of 235 roll callsRank 1 of 161 representatives · Every roll call100%voted2019–2020Missed 0 of 430 roll callsRank 1 of 162 representatives · Every roll call100%votedRoll calls this member did not vote on, while serving in the House. Ties share a rank. The record does not say why a member did not vote. See every representative →
Campaign money
$261,886raised in 2025–26
$350,470spent in 2025–26
$38,754cash on hand through Sep 30, 2026
Where the 2025–26 contributions came from
Gifts from individuals
Outside spending in 2026
Groups not tied to the campaign reported spending $15,091 to support John J. Lawn, Jr..
- Massachusetts Realtor Independent Expenditure Political Action Committee to support $5,269
- Massachusetts Nurses Association to support $5,000
- Professional Fire Fighters of MA Independent Expenditure PAC to support $3,300
- 1199 SEIU MA PAC to support $1,308
- Retired Public Employees PAC to support $214
Year by year
| Year | Raised | Spent | Cash at the end |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $153,375 | $207,142 | $38,754 so far |
| 2025 | $108,511 | $143,328 | $86,644 |
| 2024 | $103,218 | $128,032 | $100,850 |
| 2023 | $140,173 | $78,258 | $125,026 |
| 2022 | $69,345 | $61,034 | $62,802 |
| 2021 | $71,426 | $42,359 | $54,491 |
| 2020 | $74,854 | $69,407 | $23,334 |
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
- Overdose prevention centers pitched in shifting climateWWLP 22News · Sep 16, 2025
- Two controversial bills make push to legalize overdose prevention centers in MassachusettsFall River Reporter · Sep 15, 2025
- Bill sponsors say public restrooms need to be changedWWLP 22News · Sep 9, 2025
- VIDEO: Body camera footage shows drunk driving arrest of Mass. lawmakerNBC Boston · Aug 19, 2025
- JUST ONE STATION: Body camera footage shows the moment state representative John Lawn was arrested for suspected drunk driving7News WHDH · Aug 18, 2025
- State rep accused of OUI near State House loses license for 45 days, admits to facts7News WHDH · Jul 17, 2025
- Mass. state lawmaker changes plea, admits to facts in OUI caseNBC Boston · Jul 17, 2025
- State rep facing DUI charge after alleged hit-and-run in Boston7News WHDH · Jul 16, 2025
- Mass. state rep for Watertown arrested on OUI, leaving the scene chargesNBC Boston · Jul 16, 2025
Stories that name John J. Lawn 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 John J. Lawn, Jr. voted. Most roll calls in the Massachusetts Legislature pass by wide margins, so these are where members split the most.
2025–2026
Prioritizing patient access to careFinal approval before the bill goes to the GovernorVoted: Yes121–35 · PassedPrioritizing patient access to careApprove the bill in this chamber (it still needs the other chamber and a final vote)Voted: Yes119–33 · PassedSupplemental budget for fiscal year 2026Add a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: No28–128 · Amendment rejectedPromoting transparency and public access in state governmentApprove the bill in this chamber (it still needs the other chamber and a final vote)Voted: Yes125–28 · PassedState budget for fiscal year 2027Add a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: No34–119 · Amendment rejectedState budget for fiscal year 2027Add a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: No30–124 · Amendment rejectedStrengthening health care protections in the CommonwealthAdd a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: Did not vote130–29 · Amendment adoptedStrengthening health care protections in the CommonwealthAdd a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: Did not vote30–129 · Amendment rejectedState budget for fiscal year 2026Add a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: No30–126 · Amendment rejectedState budget for fiscal year 2026Add a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: No28–128 · Amendment rejectedEarlier sessions (30)
Modernizing firearm lawsAccept the final compromise version worked out by House and Senate negotiatorsVoted: Yes124–33 · PassedRelative to the Affordable Homes ActAdd a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: No30–127 · Amendment rejectedRelative to the Affordable Homes ActAdd a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: No32–126 · Amendment rejectedState budget for fiscal year 2025Add a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: No30–127 · Amendment rejectedSupplemental budget for fiscal year 2024Final approval before the bill goes to the GovernorVoted: Yes123–35 · PassedSupplemental budget for fiscal year 2024Accept the final compromise version worked out by House and Senate negotiatorsVoted: Yes120–36 · PassedState budget for fiscal year 2025Add a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: No29–128 · Amendment rejectedSupplemental budget for fiscal year 2024Approve the bill in this chamber (it still needs the other chamber and a final vote)Voted: Yes121–33 · PassedSupplemental budget for fiscal year 2024Add a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: No29–125 · Amendment rejectedModernizing firearm lawsApprove the bill in this chamber (it still needs the other chamber and a final vote)Voted: Yes120–38 · PassedRelative to work and family mobilityOverride the Governor's vetoVoted: Yes119–36 · Veto overridden (needs two-thirds)Relative to work and family mobilityFinal approval before the bill goes to the GovernorVoted: Yes117–36 · PassedRelative to work and family mobilityAccept the final compromise version worked out by House and Senate negotiatorsVoted: Yes118–36 · PassedRelative to work and family mobilityApprove the bill in this chamber (it still needs the other chamber and a final vote)Voted: Yes120–36 · PassedFostering voter opportunities, trust, equity and securityOn adoption of a further amendmentVoted: No93–64 · Amendment adoptedOrder (filed by Mr. Galvin of Canton) for the adoption of permanent House Rules for the 192nd General Court governing the 2021-2022 legislative sessio…Add a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: No39–119 · Amendment rejectedOrder (filed by Mr. Galvin of Canton) for the adoption of permanent House Rules for the 192nd General Court governing the 2021-2022 legislative sessio…Add a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: No41–117 · Amendment rejectedOrder (filed by Mr. Galvin of Canton) for the adoption of permanent House Rules for the 192nd General Court governing the 2021-2022 legislative sessio…Add a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: No38–121 · Amendment rejectedProposal for a legislative amendment to the Constitution to provide resources for education and transportation through an additional tax on incomes in…of 2021 on again agreeing to the amendmentVoted: Yes121–39 · Amendment adoptedProposed Joint Rules governing the 2021-2022 legislative sessionAdd a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: No38–121 · Amendment rejectedRelative to justice, equity and accountability in law enforcement in the CommonwealthFinal approval before the bill goes to the GovernorVoted: No91–67 · PassedRelative to justice, equity and accountability in law enforcement in the CommonwealthAccept the final compromise version worked out by House and Senate negotiatorsVoted: No92–67 · PassedPutting Patients FirstAdd a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: No62–94 · Amendment rejectedTo reform police standards and shift resources to build a more equitable, fair and just commonwealth that values Black lives and communities of colorApprove the bill in this chamber (it still needs the other chamber and a final vote)Voted: No93–66 · PassedTo reform police standards and shift resources to build a more equitable, fair and just commonwealth that values Black lives and communities of colorOn further amendment to Consol "C"Voted: Yes72–87 · 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: Yes55–104 · 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: Yes53–106 · 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: Yes68–90 · 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: No83–76 · Amendment adoptedOrder (filed by Mr. Galvin of Canton) for the adoption of House Rules for the 191st General Court governing the 2019-2020 legislative sessions (House…Add a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: No55–103 · 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 514
Health and human services 81
Water, sewer and environment 77
Roads, traffic and transit 69
Schools and education 65
Police, fire and public safety 64
Energy and utilities 35
Parks, recreation and libraries 31
Housing and zoning 22
Appointments and hiring 18
Elections and how government runs 17
Licenses and permits 10
Veterans 9
Bills they filed · 2025–2026
John J. Lawn, Jr. filed 49 bills as lead sponsor this session. 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.
Health and human services 22
Schools and education 3
Police, fire and public safety 2
Taxes and budgets 2
Licenses and permits 1
Other subjects 23
Source: malegislature.gov (as of Oct 11, 2026).
Bills they signed on to · 2025–2026
John J. Lawn, Jr. signed on as a co-sponsor of 628 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 75
Schools and education 43
Water, sewer and environment 37
Police, fire and public safety 33
Housing and zoning 28
Taxes and budgets 26
Appointments and hiring 22
Roads, traffic and transit 21
Veterans 16
Energy and utilities 15
Elections and how government runs 11
Licenses and permits 7
Parks, recreation and libraries 3
Other subjects 337
Source: malegislature.gov (as of Oct 10, 2026). Bills they filed themselves are not listed here.
How John J. Lawn, Jr. voted
46 recorded votes on bills they co-sponsored
Mandating access to cancer screenings for firefighters through health care benefits plans or programs provided by the public employerApprove the bill in this chamber (it still needs the other chamber and a final vote)Co-sponsor Voted: Yes157–0 · PassedPromoting rule of law, oversight, trust and equal constitutional treatmentFinal approval before the bill goes to the GovernorCo-sponsor Voted: Yes137–21 · PassedPromoting rule of law, oversight, trust and equal constitutional treatmentAccept the final compromise version worked out by House and Senate negotiatorsCo-sponsor Voted: Yes137–21 · PassedRelative to property tax classifications in the city of Watertown for fiscal year 2027 and subsequent fiscal yearsApprove the bill in this chamber (it still needs the other chamber and a final vote)Co-sponsor Voted: Yes150–0 · PassedPromoting rule of law, oversight, trust and equal constitutional treatmentApprove the bill in this chamber (it still needs the other chamber and a final vote)Co-sponsor Voted: Yes134–21 · PassedPromoting rule of law, oversight, trust and equal constitutional treatmentAdd a proposed change (amendment) to the billCo-sponsor Voted: Yes136–18 · Amendment adoptedPromoting rule of law, oversight, trust and equal constitutional treatmentAdd a proposed change (amendment) to the billCo-sponsor Voted: Yes155–0 · Amendment adoptedPromoting rule of law, oversight, trust and equal constitutional treatmentAdd a proposed change (amendment) to the billCo-sponsor Voted: Yes130–25 · Amendment adoptedPromoting rule of law, oversight, trust and equal constitutional treatmentAdd a proposed change (amendment) to the billCo-sponsor Voted: Yes151–3 · Amendment adoptedRequiring health care employers to develop and implement programs to prevent workplace violenceApprove the bill in this chamber (it still needs the other chamber and a final vote)Co-sponsor Voted: Yes158–0 · PassedRelative to personal financial literacy educationApprove the bill in this chamber (it still needs the other chamber and a final vote)Co-sponsor Voted: Yes155–0 · 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: Yes158–0 · PassedEnhancing the market review processApprove the bill in this chamber (it still needs the other chamber and a final vote)Co-sponsor Voted: Yes152–1 · PassedRelative to individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilitiesApprove the bill in this chamber (it still needs the other chamber and a final vote)Co-sponsor Voted: Yes155–0 · PassedRelative to step therapy and patient safetyApprove the bill in this chamber (it still needs the other chamber and a final vote)Co-sponsor Voted: Yes153–0 · PassedRelative to work and family mobilityOverride the Governor's vetoCo-sponsor Voted: Yes119–36 · Veto overridden (needs two-thirds)Relative to work and family mobilityFinal approval before the bill goes to the GovernorCo-sponsor Voted: Yes117–36 · PassedRelative to work and family mobilityAccept the final compromise version worked out by House and Senate negotiatorsCo-sponsor Voted: Yes118–36 · PassedRelative to work and family mobilityApprove the bill in this chamber (it still needs the other chamber and a final vote)Co-sponsor Voted: Yes120–36 · PassedRelative to work and family mobilityAdd a proposed change (amendment) to the billCo-sponsor Voted: No31–125 · Amendment rejectedRelative to work and family mobilityAdd a proposed change (amendment) to the billCo-sponsor Voted: No31–125 · 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 GovernorCo-sponsor Voted: Yes157–0 · PassedRelative to voting options in response to COVID-19On AcceptanceCo-sponsor Voted: Yes157–1 · 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: Yes155–1 · PassedRelative to voting options in response to COVID-19Add a proposed change (amendment) to the billCo-sponsor Voted: Yes136–20 · Amendment adoptedSource: 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