← All legislators
Official photo of Michael F. Rush

State Senator

Michael F. Rush

Norfolk and Suffolk District · Democrat · Senate Majority Whip

Towns: Boston, Dedham, Norwood, Walpole, Westwood (some only in part)

  • 2025–2026 State Senator, Norfolk and Suffolk · Democrat
  • 2023–2024 State Senator, Norfolk and Suffolk · Democrat
  • 2021–2022 State Senator, Norfolk and Suffolk · Democrat
  • 2019–2020 State Senator, Norfolk and Suffolk · Democrat

An email with their new roll call votes when the Legislature votes, at most once a week.

Election Day · Tuesday, Nov 3

Your Nov 3 ballot: a short quiz for every race in your town, about a minute each.

Find my ballot →

Record at a glance · 2025–2026 · Senate

230 of 237roll calls voted on (97%) · whole Senate 99%
57no votes (25% of votes cast) · whole Senate 23%
2 of 98split votes where Rush was in the minority (2%) · whole Senate 14%
0times voted “present”

Session by session

SessionRoll calls voted onNo votesIn the minority (split votes)
2025–2026230 of 237572 of 98
2023–2024236 of 250460 of 81
2021–2022257 of 258530 of 102
2019–2020459 of 471699 of 246
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: Senate Majority Whip

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 7 of 237 roll callsRank 38 of 40 senators97%voted2023–2024SenateMissed 14 of 250 roll callsRank 40 of 40 senators94%voted2021–2022SenateMissed 1 of 258 roll callsRank 31 of 40 senators99%voted2019–2020SenateMissed 12 of 471 roll callsRank 40 of 41 senators97%voted

Roll 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

$187,929raised in 2025–26
$224,998spent in 2025–26
$2,610cash on hand through Sep 30, 2026

Where the 2025–26 contributions came from

  • Individuals88%
  • PACs and other political committees9%
  • Unions and associations3%
  • From Massachusetts86%
  • From other states8%
  • Small gifts not listed one by one5%

Gifts from individuals

  • $200 or less53%
  • More than $20047%

Outside spending in 2026

Groups not tied to the campaign reported spending $37,142 to support Michael F. Rush.

  • Massachusetts Realtor Independent Expenditure Political Action Committee to support $36,357
  • Retired Public Employees PAC to support $785
Year by year
YearRaisedSpentCash at the end
2026$106,668$172,822$2,610 so far
2025$81,261$52,176$68,763
2024$43,442$41,215$39,678
2023$36,052$36,898$37,289
2022$29,303$36,529$38,035
2021$41,489$28,985$45,166
2020$28,701$29,353$32,662

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

No recent stories found that name Michael F. Rush in the headline or opening.

Stories that name Michael F. Rush 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 Michael F. Rush voted. Most roll calls in the Massachusetts Legislature pass by wide margins, so these are where members split the most.

2025–2026

Jul 1, 2026 · Senate · S.3143To save people money, repair the climate and grow the economyAdd a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: Yes19–20 · Amendment rejectedJul 1, 2026 · Senate · S.3143To save people money, repair the climate and grow the economyAdd a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: No9–30 · Amendment rejectedMay 21, 2026 · Senate · S.4State budget for fiscal year 2027Add a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: No9–30 · Amendment rejectedMay 7, 2026 · Senate · S.3072Promoting rule of law, oversight, trust and equal constitutional treatmentAdd a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: No10–29 · Amendment rejectedNov 19, 2025 · Senate · S.2722Modernizing the commonwealth’s cannabis lawsAdd a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: No11–26 · Amendment rejectedMay 22, 2025 · Senate · S.3State budget for fiscal year 2026Add a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: No9–30 · Amendment rejectedMay 22, 2025 · Senate · S.3State budget for fiscal year 2026Add a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: No12–28 · Amendment rejectedFeb 12, 2025 · Senate · S.16Fiscal Year 2025 Supplemental AppropriationsAdd a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: No10–28 · Amendment rejectedFeb 12, 2025 · Senate · S.16Fiscal Year 2025 Supplemental AppropriationsAdd a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: No12–26 · Amendment rejectedFeb 12, 2025 · Senate · S.15Proposed 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 rejected
Earlier sessions (30)Jul 18, 2024 · Senate · S.2871Enhancing the health care market review processAdd a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: No9–30 · Amendment rejectedJul 18, 2024 · Senate · S.2871Enhancing the health care market review processAdd a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: No14–25 · Amendment rejectedJul 18, 2024 · Senate · S.2871Enhancing the health care market review processAdd a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: No10–30 · Amendment rejectedJul 11, 2024 · Senate · S.2856Relative to strengthening Massachusetts’ economic leadershipAdd a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: Yes31–9 · Amendment adoptedMay 23, 2024 · Senate · S.4State budget for fiscal year 2025Add a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: Yes30–9 · Amendment adoptedMay 23, 2024 · Senate · S.4State budget for fiscal year 2025Add a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: No10–29 · Amendment rejectedApr 25, 2024 · Senate · H.4582Supplemental budget for fiscal year 2024Final approval before the bill goes to the GovernorVoted: Did not vote29–9 · PassedApr 25, 2024 · Senate · H.4582Supplemental budget for fiscal year 2024Accept the final compromise version worked out by House and Senate negotiatorsVoted: Did not vote29–9 · PassedMar 21, 2024 · Senate · S.2708Supplemental budget for fiscal year 2024Add a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: No12–27 · Amendment rejectedJun 15, 2023 · Senate · S.2397To improve the Commonwealth’s competitiveness, affordability, and equityAdd a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: No9–30 · Amendment rejectedJun 30, 2022 · Senate · S.2942Promoting diversion of juveniles to community supervision and servicesAdd a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: No12–26 · Amendment rejectedJun 30, 2022 · Senate · S.2944Relative to forfeiture reformAdd a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: No10–29 · Amendment rejectedMay 5, 2022 · Senate · S.2851Relative to work and family mobilityAdd a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: No10–29 · Amendment rejectedApr 28, 2022 · Senate · S.2844Regulating sports wageringAdd a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: No14–26 · Amendment rejectedApr 14, 2022 · Senate · S.2819Driving climate policy forwardAdd a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: No11–28 · Amendment rejectedMar 24, 2022 · Senate · S.2776Making 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 rejectedNov 17, 2021 · Senate · H.4256Establishing Congressional districtsApprove the bill in this chamber (it still needs the other chamber and a final vote)Voted: Yes26–13 · PassedOct 6, 2021 · Senate · S.2545Fostering voter opportunities, trust, equity and securityAdd a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: No12–26 · Amendment rejectedOct 6, 2021 · Senate · S.2545Fostering voter opportunities, trust, equity and securityAdd a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: No13–25 · Amendment rejectedFeb 11, 2021 · Senate · S.10Proposed Senate Rules for the 2021-2022 Legislative SessionAdd a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: No10–29 · Amendment rejectedJul 16, 2020 · Senate · S.2813Authorizing and accelerating transportation investmentAdd a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: No14–25 · Amendment rejectedJul 14, 2020 · Senate · S.2800To 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 rejectedJul 14, 2020 · Senate · S.2800To 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 rejectedJul 13, 2020 · Senate · S.2800To 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 rejectedJun 16, 2020 · Senate · S.2755Relative to voting options in response to COVID-19Add a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: No14–25 · Amendment rejectedJun 16, 2020 · Senate · S.2755Relative to voting options in response to COVID-19Add a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: No16–23 · Amendment rejectedFeb 27, 2020 · Senate · S.2553Relative to automated enforcementAdd a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: No18–19 · Amendment rejectedFeb 27, 2020 · Senate · S.2553Relative to automated enforcementAdd a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: No13–24 · Amendment rejectedOct 3, 2019 · Senate · S.2350Relative to educational opportunity for studentsAdd a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: No14–24 · Amendment rejected2019–2020 session · Senate · S.2800To 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 rejected

Votes 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
Elections and how government runs 14
Energy and utilities 14
Licenses and permits 12
Appointments and hiring 12
Veterans 11

Bills they filed · 2025–2026

Michael F. Rush filed 85 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.

Veterans 18
Health and human services 11
Police, fire and public safety 7
Schools and education 5
Taxes and budgets 5
Appointments and hiring 4
Roads, traffic and transit 2
Water, sewer and environment 2
Parks, recreation and libraries 1
Energy and utilities 1
Housing and zoning 1
Licenses and permits 1
Other subjects 35

Source: malegislature.gov (as of Oct 11, 2026).

Bills they signed on to · 2025–2026

Michael F. Rush signed on as a co-sponsor of 594 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 68
Schools and education 45
Water, sewer and environment 33
Housing and zoning 28
Police, fire and public safety 28
Appointments and hiring 25
Taxes and budgets 23
Roads, traffic and transit 22
Veterans 14
Energy and utilities 12
Elections and how government runs 12
Licenses and permits 8
Parks, recreation and libraries 3
Other subjects 317

Source: malegislature.gov (as of Oct 10, 2026). Bills they filed themselves are not listed here.

How Michael F. Rush voted

1,226 recorded votes

Jul 23, 2026 · Senate · S.3178Relative to economic development in the commonwealthAdd a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: Yes31–8 · Amendment adoptedJul 23, 2026 · Senate · S.3178Relative to economic development in the commonwealthAdd a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: No7–32 · Amendment rejectedJul 23, 2026 · Senate · S.3178Relative to economic development in the commonwealthAdd a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: No5–34 · Amendment rejectedJul 23, 2026 · Senate · S.3178Relative to economic development in the commonwealthAdd a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: No7–32 · Amendment rejectedJul 22, 2026 · Senate · H.5388Authorizing the transfer of a certain parcel of land in the town of Marion from the Open Space Acquisition Commission to the Select BoardFinal approval before the bill goes to the GovernorVoted: Yes39–0 · Passed
Jul 22, 2026 · Senate · S.2735Dissolving the North Carver water districtFinal approval before the bill goes to the GovernorVoted: Yes39–0 · PassedJul 16, 2026 · Senate · H.2250Dissolving the Whately Water DistrictFinal approval before the bill goes to the GovernorVoted: Yes39–0 · PassedJul 9, 2026 · Senate · S.3175Protecting children from addictive social media feedsApprove the bill in this chamber (it still needs the other chamber and a final vote)Voted: Yes38–2 · PassedJul 1, 2026 · Senate · H.5175Relative to energy affordability, clean power and economic competitivenessApprove the bill in this chamber (it still needs the other chamber and a final vote)Voted: Yes32–8 · PassedJul 1, 2026 · Senate · S.3143To save people money, repair the climate and grow the economyAdd a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: Yes19–20 · Amendment rejectedJul 1, 2026 · Senate · S.3143To save people money, repair the climate and grow the economyAdd a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: No5–34 · Amendment rejectedJul 1, 2026 · Senate · S.3143To save people money, repair the climate and grow the economyAdd a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: No5–34 · Amendment rejectedJul 1, 2026 · Senate · S.3143To save people money, repair the climate and grow the economyAdd a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: No9–30 · Amendment rejectedJul 1, 2026 · Senate · H.5555State budget for fiscal year 2027Final approval before the bill goes to the GovernorVoted: Yes39–1 · PassedJul 1, 2026 · Senate · S.3143To save people money, repair the climate and grow the economyAdd a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: Yes35–4 · Amendment adoptedJul 1, 2026 · Senate · S.3162To improve outdoor lighting, conserve energy, and increase dark-sky visibilityApprove the bill in this chamber (it still needs the other chamber and a final vote)Voted: Yes39–0 · PassedJun 18, 2026 · Senate · S.3141Relative to primary care for youApprove the bill in this chamber (it still needs the other chamber and a final vote)Voted: Did not vote35–4 · PassedJun 18, 2026 · Senate · S.3116Relative to primary care for youAdd a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: Did not vote5–33 · Amendment rejectedJun 18, 2026 · Senate · H.5511Relative to teacher preparation and student literacyFinal approval before the bill goes to the GovernorVoted: Did not vote39–0 · PassedJun 18, 2026 · Senate · S.3116Relative to primary care for youAdd a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: Did not vote5–33 · Amendment rejectedJun 18, 2026 · Senate · S.3116Relative to primary care for youAdd a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: Did not vote5–33 · Amendment rejectedJun 11, 2026 · Senate · H.4646Enhancing child welfare protectionsApprove the bill in this chamber (it still needs the other chamber and a final vote)Voted: Yes39–0 · PassedJun 4, 2026 · Senate · H.5375Financing long-term improvements to municipal roads and bridgesFinal approval before the bill goes to the GovernorVoted: Yes39–0 · PassedJun 4, 2026 · Senate · H.4843Providing for the exchange of certain park land in the town of LexingtonFinal approval before the bill goes to the GovernorVoted: Yes39–0 · PassedJun 4, 2026 · Senate · S.2963Authorizing the town of Milton to use certain land acquired for conservation purposes for school purposesFinal approval before the bill goes to the GovernorVoted: Yes39–0 · Passed
How to read these votesOnly recorded votes are listed, a vote on an amendment isn't a vote on the whole bill, and we never score legislators. What's included and what isn't.About the vote tracker →

Source: 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

Get an email when new quizzes open

MassVoter.com · nonpartisan match quiz · About · How the Legislature voted · Local Votes · Privacy · Support MassVoter

Report an error on this page

See something wrong? A wrong vote, name, date or number? Tell us and we’ll check it against the source and fix it. Fixes are listed on our corrections page.