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State Senator
William N. Brownsberger
Suffolk and Middlesex District · Democrat · President Pro Tempore
Towns: Belmont, Boston, Cambridge, Watertown (some only in part)
- 2025–2026 State Senator, Suffolk and Middlesex · Democrat
- 2023–2024 State Senator, Suffolk and Middlesex · Democrat
- 2021–2022 State Senator, Second Suffolk and Middlesex · Democrat
- 2019–2020 State Senator, Second Suffolk and Middlesex · 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 | 237 of 237 | 61 | 1 of 102 |
| 2023–2024 | 250 of 250 | 47 | 0 of 85 |
| 2021–2022 | 258 of 258 | 53 | 0 of 103 |
| 2019–2020 | 471 of 471 | 67 | 0 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: President Pro Tempore
- Senate Committee on the Census Chair
- Joint Committee on Housing
- Joint Committee on Rules
- Joint Committee on Transportation
- Senate Committee on Bills in the Third Reading
- Senate Committee on Rules
- Senate Committee on Steering and Policy
- 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 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 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: $3,016, from deposit reports. They will be in the totals above when the next bank report comes in.
Outside spending in 2026
Groups not tied to the campaign reported spending $36,309 to support William N. Brownsberger and $26,190 to oppose William N. Brownsberger.
- Massachusetts Realtor Independent Expenditure Political Action Committee to support $33,217
- Working Families Party Massachusetts Independent Expenditure Political Action Committee to oppose $26,190
- Abundant Housing Massachusetts Independent Expenditure Political Action Committee to support $2,405
- Retired Public Employees PAC to support $687
Year by year
| Year | Raised | Spent | Cash at the end |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $349,061 | $561,848 | $884 so far |
| 2025 | $71,827 | $260,841 | $196,728 |
| 2024 | $28,743 | $59,148 | $191,942 |
| 2023 | $62,789 | $55,657 | $220,846 |
| 2022 | $23,450 | $27,817 | $212,710 |
| 2021 | $56,744 | $17,638 | $216,741 |
| 2020 | $33,319 | $12,986 | $177,627 |
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
- Belmont turnout saved BrownsbergerCambridge Day · Sep 25, 2026
- Mass. Senate leader Brownsberger edges Lander by 35 votes after race recountNBC Boston · Sep 11, 2026
- Brownsberger edges Lander by 35 votes after Senate race recountCommonWealth Beacon · Sep 10, 2026
- Lander concedes to Brownsberger after razor-thin state Senate recount Cambridge Day · Sep 10, 2026
- Suffolk Middlesex state senate race separated by 3 votes7News WHDH · Sep 3, 2026
- State Senate candidates square off over myriad issuesCambridge Day · Aug 27, 2026
- Senators keep momentum behind abortion law changesWWLP 22News · Jul 31, 2026
- Lander lands Warren endorsement in race against BrownsbergerCambridge Day · Jun 18, 2026
- Beacon Hill Moves Closer to Allowing Automated Traffic Cameras Across MassachusettsFall River Reporter · May 11, 2026
- Hearing held for Massachusetts bill that will allow civil lawsuits against federal agentsFall River Reporter · Apr 8, 2026
- Massachusetts Bill Would Let Those in ICE Custody Sue Federal AgentsNew Bedford Guide · Apr 6, 2026
- Lawmakers see role for cameras in road safety enforcementWWLP 22News · Feb 4, 2026
- Massachusetts Senate Set to Vote on Property Tax Relief and Ballot Campaign Transparency BillsFall River Reporter · Jan 15, 2026
- A bit of competition comes to Cambridge, Somerville Legislature racesCambridge Day · Dec 23, 2025
- State taking first steps toward “rock solid” 2030 CensusWWLP 22News · Sep 23, 2025
Stories that name William N. Brownsberger 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 William N. Brownsberger 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: 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: 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: 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: 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 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
William N. Brownsberger filed 37 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.
Roads, traffic and transit 3
Taxes and budgets 2
Police, fire and public safety 2
Schools and education 2
Housing and zoning 1
Health and human services 1
Veterans 1
Elections and how government runs 1
Water, sewer and environment 1
Licenses and permits 1
Appointments and hiring 1
Other subjects 25
Source: malegislature.gov (as of Oct 11, 2026).
Bills they signed on to · 2025–2026
William N. Brownsberger signed on as a co-sponsor of 596 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 69
Schools and education 41
Water, sewer and environment 33
Police, fire and public safety 28
Housing and zoning 27
Taxes and budgets 27
Appointments and hiring 22
Roads, traffic and transit 21
Veterans 14
Energy and utilities 12
Elections and how government runs 11
Licenses and permits 8
Parks, recreation and libraries 4
Other subjects 322
Source: malegislature.gov (as of Oct 10, 2026). Bills they filed themselves are not listed here.
How William N. Brownsberger voted
17 recorded votes on bills they co-sponsored
To prevent property tax bill shocksApprove the bill in this chamber (it still needs the other chamber and a final vote)Co-sponsor Voted: Yes37–1 · PassedTo prevent property tax bill shocksAdd a proposed change (amendment) to the billCo-sponsor Voted: No5–33 · Amendment rejectedAmending certain archaic lawsApprove the bill in this chamber (it still needs the other chamber and a final vote)Co-sponsor Voted: Yes40–0 · PassedRelative to archaic lawsApprove the bill in this chamber (it still needs the other chamber and a final vote)Co-sponsor Voted: Yes39–0 · PassedRelative to archaic lawsApprove the bill in this chamber (it still needs the other chamber and a final vote)Co-sponsor Voted: Yes39–0 · PassedConcerning genocide educationApprove the bill in this chamber (it still needs the other chamber and a final vote)Co-sponsor Voted: Yes39–0 · PassedPromoting a resilient health care system that puts patients firstAccept the final compromise version worked out by House and Senate negotiatorsCo-sponsor Voted: Yes40–0 · PassedRelative to expanding access to adoptionApprove the bill in this chamber (it still needs the other chamber and a final vote)Co-sponsor Voted: Yes39–0 · PassedConcerning genocide educationApprove the bill in this chamber (it still needs the other chamber and a final vote)Co-sponsor Voted: Yes40–0 · 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 · PassedPutting Patients FirstApprove the bill in this chamber (it still needs the other chamber and a final vote)Co-sponsor Voted: Yes38–0 · PassedPutting Patients FirstAdd a proposed change (amendment) to the billCo-sponsor Voted: Yes38–0 · Amendment adoptedPutting Patients FirstAdd a proposed change (amendment) to the billCo-sponsor Voted: Yes38–0 · Amendment adoptedPutting Patients FirstAdd a proposed change (amendment) to the billCo-sponsor Voted: Yes38–0 · 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 · 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