Karen Spilka

From Ballotpedia
Karen Spilka
Candidate, Massachusetts State Senate Middlesex and Norfolk District
Massachusetts State Senate Middlesex and Norfolk District
Tenure
2023 - Present
Term ends
2027
Years in position
3
Prior offices:
Massachusetts State Senate 2nd Middlesex and Norfolk District (Historical)
Years in office: 2005 - 2023
Massachusetts House of Representatives 7th Middlesex District
Years in office: 2001 - 2005
Compensation
Base salary
$82,044.31/year
Per diem
No per diem is paid.
Elections and appointments
Last election
November 5, 2024
Next election
September 1, 2026
Education
Bachelor's
Cornell University
Personal
Profession
Attorney
Contact

Karen Spilka (Democratic Party) is a member of theMassachusetts State Senate, representingMiddlesex and Norfolk District. She assumed office on January 4, 2023. Her current term ends on January 6, 2027.

Spilka (Democratic Party) is running for re-election to theMassachusetts State Senate to representMiddlesex and Norfolk District. She declared candidacy for the Democratic primary scheduled onSeptember 1, 2026.[source]

TheMassachusetts State Senate elected SpilkaSenate president on July 26, 2018.[1]

Biography

Spilka was born in 1953 inNew York, New York. She received a bachelor's degree in social work from Cornell University and aJ.D. from Northeastern University School of Law. She worked as a social worker, small business owner, and attorney.[2][3]

Spilka was first elected to the state Senate in 2004. Before joining the Senate, she served in theMassachusetts House of Representatives from 2001 to 2002, filling a midterm vacancy. Spilka also served as chair and vice-chair of the Ashland School Committee and as a member of Ashland's Democratic Town Committee, Fiscal Affairs Committee, Charter Review Committee, and Personnel Board.[2]

In an interview withMetroWest Daily News, Spilka said, "I started out as a social worker, so I feel that a lot of what I do as a legislator, as a senator, as Senate president, is still social work. It just boils down to helping people."[4] She has either co-authored or endorsed legislation that increased access to capital for small businesses, created the MetroWest Regional Transit Authority, and covered tuition for Massachusetts residents attending state community colleges.[4][2]

According to Spilka's official biography, her priorities as Senate president included: leading the chamber's response to COVID-19; the passage of the Student Opportunity Act, which included the largest increase in funding for education; the passage of a police reform bill; support of legislation to transition from fossil fuels; and leadership in efforts to increase accessibility to mental healthcare.[2]

Committee assignments

2017 legislative session

At the beginning of the 2017 legislative session, this legislator served on the following committees:

Massachusetts committee assignments, 2017
•Rules, Vice chair
•Ways and Means, Chair
•Rules Joint, Vice chair
•Ways and Means Joint, Chair

2015 legislative session

At the beginning of the 2015 legislative session, Spilka served on the following committees:

Massachusetts committee assignments, 2015
•Ways and Means, Chair
•Rules
•Ways and Means Joint, Chair
•Rules Joint

2013-2014

At the beginning of the 2013 legislative session, Spilka served on the following committees:

Massachusetts committee assignments, 2013
•Ethics and Rules
•Steering and Policy
•Rules Joint

2011-2012

In the 2011-2012 legislative session, Spilka served on these committees:

Massachusetts committee assignments, 2011
•Economic Development and Emerging Technologies Joint, Chair
•Ethics and Rules, Vice chair
•Global Warming and Climate Change
•Revenue Joint
•Rules Joint, Vice chair
•Transportation Joint
•Ways and Means
•Ways and Means Joint

2009-2010

In the 2009-2010 legislative session, Spilka served on these committees:

Massachusetts committee assignments, 2009
•Economic Development and Emerging Technologies Joint
•Ethics and Rules
• Federal Stimulus Oversight Joint
•Global Warming and Climate Change
•Health Care Financing Joint
•Higher Education Joint
•Labor and Workforce Development Joint
•Rules Joint
•Ways and Means

Sponsored legislation

The following table lists bills this person sponsored as a legislator, according toBillTrack50 and sorted by action history. Bills are sorted by the date of their last action. The following list may not be comprehensive. To see all bills this legislator sponsored, click on the legislator's name in the title of the table.


Elections

2026

See also: Massachusetts State Senate elections, 2026

General election

The primary will occur on September 1, 2026. The general election will occur on November 3, 2026. General election candidates will be added here following the primary.

Democratic primary

Democratic primary for Massachusetts State Senate Middlesex and Norfolk District

IncumbentKaren Spilka (D) is running in the Democratic primary for Massachusetts State Senate Middlesex and Norfolk District on September 1, 2026.

Candidate
Image of Karen Spilka
Karen Spilka

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Endorsements

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2024

See also: Massachusetts State Senate elections, 2024

General election

General election for Massachusetts State Senate Middlesex and Norfolk District

IncumbentKaren Spilka won election in the general election for Massachusetts State Senate Middlesex and Norfolk District on November 5, 2024.

Candidate
%
Votes
✔
Image of Karen Spilka
Karen Spilka (D)
 
98.3
 
68,762
 Other/Write-in votes
 
1.7
 
1,223

Ballotpedia Logo

Incumbents arebolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source

Total votes: 69,985
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Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for Massachusetts State Senate Middlesex and Norfolk District

IncumbentKaren Spilka advanced from the Democratic primary for Massachusetts State Senate Middlesex and Norfolk District on September 3, 2024.

Candidate
%
Votes
✔
Image of Karen Spilka
Karen Spilka
 
99.6
 
17,526
 Other/Write-in votes
 
0.4
 
79

Ballotpedia Logo

Incumbents arebolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source

Total votes: 17,605
Candidate Connection = candidate completed theBallotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Endorsements

Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Spilka in this election.

2022

See also: Massachusetts State Senate elections, 2022

General election

General election for Massachusetts State Senate Middlesex and Norfolk District

IncumbentKaren Spilka won election in the general election for Massachusetts State Senate Middlesex and Norfolk District on November 8, 2022.

Candidate
%
Votes
✔
Image of Karen Spilka
Karen Spilka (D)
 
98.2
 
52,484
 Other/Write-in votes
 
1.8
 
952

Ballotpedia Logo

Incumbents arebolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source

Total votes: 53,436
Candidate Connection = candidate completed theBallotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for Massachusetts State Senate Middlesex and Norfolk District

IncumbentKaren Spilka advanced from the Democratic primary for Massachusetts State Senate Middlesex and Norfolk District on September 6, 2022.

Candidate
%
Votes
✔
Image of Karen Spilka
Karen Spilka
 
99.5
 
18,538
 Other/Write-in votes
 
0.5
 
91

Ballotpedia Logo

Incumbents arebolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source

Total votes: 18,629
Candidate Connection = candidate completed theBallotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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2020

See also: Massachusetts State Senate elections, 2020

General election

General election for Massachusetts State Senate 2nd Middlesex and Norfolk District (Historical)

IncumbentKaren Spilka won election in the general election for Massachusetts State Senate 2nd Middlesex and Norfolk District (Historical) on November 3, 2020.

Candidate
%
Votes
✔
Image of Karen Spilka
Karen Spilka (D)
 
98.5
 
70,660
 Other/Write-in votes
 
1.5
 
1,050

Ballotpedia Logo

Incumbents arebolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source

Total votes: 71,710
Candidate Connection = candidate completed theBallotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for Massachusetts State Senate 2nd Middlesex and Norfolk District (Historical)

IncumbentKaren Spilka advanced from the Democratic primary for Massachusetts State Senate 2nd Middlesex and Norfolk District (Historical) on September 1, 2020.

Candidate
%
Votes
✔
Image of Karen Spilka
Karen Spilka
 
99.6
 
32,510
 Other/Write-in votes
 
0.4
 
119

Ballotpedia Logo

Incumbents arebolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source

Total votes: 32,629
Candidate Connection = candidate completed theBallotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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2018

General election

General election for Massachusetts State Senate 2nd Middlesex and Norfolk District (Historical)

IncumbentKaren Spilka won election in the general election for Massachusetts State Senate 2nd Middlesex and Norfolk District (Historical) on November 6, 2018.

Candidate
%
Votes
✔
Image of Karen Spilka
Karen Spilka (D)
 
98.7
 
54,347
 Other/Write-in votes
 
1.3
 
715

Ballotpedia Logo

Incumbents arebolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source

Total votes: 55,062
Candidate Connection = candidate completed theBallotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for Massachusetts State Senate 2nd Middlesex and Norfolk District (Historical)

IncumbentKaren Spilka advanced from the Democratic primary for Massachusetts State Senate 2nd Middlesex and Norfolk District (Historical) on September 4, 2018.

Candidate
%
Votes
✔
Image of Karen Spilka
Karen Spilka
 
100.0
 
13,328

Ballotpedia Logo

Incumbents arebolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source

Total votes: 13,328
Candidate Connection = candidate completed theBallotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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2016

See also:Massachusetts State Senate elections, 2016

Elections for theMassachusetts State Senate took place in 2016. The primary election took place on September 8, 2016, and the general election was held on November 8, 2016. The candidate filing deadline was June 7, 2016.

IncumbentKaren Spilka ran unopposed in the Massachusetts State Senate Second Middlesex & Norfolk District general election.[5][6]

Massachusetts State Senate, Second Middlesex & Norfolk District General Election, 2016
PartyCandidate
    DemocraticGreen check mark transparent.pngKaren SpilkaIncumbent (unopposed)
Source:Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth


IncumbentKaren Spilka ran unopposed in the Massachusetts State Senate Second Middlesex & Norfolk District Democratic Primary.[7][8]

Massachusetts State Senate, Second Middlesex & Norfolk District Democratic Primary, 2016
PartyCandidate
    DemocraticGreen check mark transparent.pngKaren SpilkaIncumbent (unopposed)

Jake Binnall ran as a write-in candidate in the Republican primary.

2014

See also:Massachusetts State Senate elections, 2014

Elections for theMassachusetts State Senate took place in 2014. A primary election was held on September 9, 2014, and a general election was held onNovember 4, 2014. Thesignature filing deadline for candidates wishing to run in this election was June 3, 2014. IncumbentKaren Spilka was unopposed in the Democratic primary and was unopposed in the general election.[9]

2013

See also:Massachusetts' 5th Congressional District special election, 2013

Spilka was a 2013Democratic candidate seeking election to theU.S. House representingthe 5th Congressional District ofMassachusetts.[10] The election was held to replace outgoingRep.Ed Markey (D) who was elected to theU.S. Senate in the June 25th election forJohn Kerry's vacant seat after his appointment as Secretary of State.[11][12] She was defeated byKatherine Clark in theDemocratic primary on October 15, 2013.[13]

U.S. House, Massachusetts District 5 Special Democratic Primary, 2013
CandidateVote %Votes
Green check mark transparent.pngKatherine Clark31.6%21,983
Peter Koutoujian22%15,303
Carl Sciortino16%11,160
Will Brownsberger14.6%10,163
Karen Spilka13.1%9,088
John Paul Maisano2.2%1,520
Martin Long0.6%398
Total Votes69,615
Source:Official Results from Massachusetts Elections Division

Endorsements

Two unions, UFCW Locals 791 and 328, announced their support forstate senator Spilka on August 1, 2013.[14]

2012

See also:Massachusetts State Senate elections, 2012

Spilka won re-election in the2012 election forMassachusetts State Senate Second Middlesex and Norfolk District. Spilka was unopposed in the September 6 Democratic primary and was unopposed in the general election, which took place on November 6, 2012.[15][16]

2010

See also:Massachusetts State Senate elections, 2010

Spilka won re-election to the Second Middlesex and Norfolk District seat in 2010. She had no primary opposition.Edward McGrath ran for the seat on the Republican ticket. The general election took place onNovember 2, 2010.

Massachusetts State Senate - Second Middlesex and Norfolk District
CandidatesVotes
Green check mark transparent.pngKaren Spilka (D)34,499
Edward McGrath (R)23,707
All Others51
Blanks2,902

2008

On November 4, 2008, Spilka won re-election to the state senate in the Second Middlesex and Norfolk district.[17] In this election she raised $55,955-; of that total $54,626- (97.7%) was from in state contributions and $1,275- (2.3%) was from out of state contributions.[18]

Massachusetts State Senate - Second Middlesex and Norfolk district
CandidatesVotes
Green check mark transparent.pngKaren Spilka (D)57,006
All Others888
Blanks22,032

Campaign themes

2026

Ballotpedia survey responses

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Candidate Connection

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2024

Karen Spilka did not completeBallotpedia's 2024 Candidate Connection survey.

2022

Karen Spilka did not completeBallotpedia's 2022 Candidate Connection survey.

2020

Karen Spilka did not completeBallotpedia's 2020 Candidate Connection survey.

Campaign finance summary

Ballotpedia LogoNote: The finance data shown here comes from the disclosures required of candidates and parties. Depending on the election or state, this may represent only a portion of all the funds spent on their behalf.Satellite spending groups may or may not have expended funds related to the candidate or politician on whose page you are reading this disclaimer. Campaign finance data from elections may be incomplete. For elections to federal offices, complete data can be found at theFEC website. Clickhere for more on federal campaign finance law andhere for more on state campaign finance law.

Karen Spilka campaign contribution history
YearOfficeStatusContributionsExpenditures
2024Massachusetts State Senate Middlesex and Norfolk DistrictWon general$639,972 $0
2022Massachusetts State Senate Middlesex and Norfolk DistrictWon general$718,220 $0
2020Massachusetts State Senate 2nd Middlesex and Norfolk District (Historical)Won general$468,836 N/A**
2016Massachusetts State Senate, District Second Middlesex And NorfolkWon$357,864 N/A**
2014Massachusetts State Senate, Second Middlesex And NorfolkWon$53,168 N/A**
2012Massachusetts State Senate, Second Middlesex And NorfolkWon$109,836 N/A**
2010Massachusetts State Senate, Second Middlesex And NorfolkWon$128,474 N/A**
2008Massachusetts State Senate, Second Middlesex And NorfolkWon$55,901 N/A**
2006Massachusetts State Senate, Second Middlesex And NorfolkWon$60,713 N/A**
2004Massachusetts State Senate, Second Middlesex And NorfolkWon$181,322 N/A**
2002Massachusetts House of Representatives, Seventh MiddlesexWon$48,452 N/A**
** Data on expenditures is not available for this election cycle
Note: Totals above reflect only available data.

Notable endorsements

See also:Ballotpedia: Our approach to covering endorsements

This section displays endorsements this individual made in elections within Ballotpedia'scoverage scope.

Notable candidate endorsements by Karen Spilka
EndorseeElectionStageOutcome
Elizabeth Warren  source President of the United States (2020)Withdrew in Convention

Scorecards

See also:State legislative scorecards andState legislative scorecards in Massachusetts

Ascorecard evaluates a legislator’s voting record. Its purpose is to inform voters about the legislator’s political positions. Because scorecards have varying purposes and methodologies, each report should be considered on its own merits. For example, an advocacy group’s scorecard may assess a legislator’s voting record on one issue while a state newspaper’s scorecard may evaluate the voting record in its entirety.

Ballotpedia is in the process of developing an encyclopedic list of published scorecards. Some states have a limited number of available scorecards or scorecards produced only by select groups. It is Ballotpedia’s goal to incorporate all available scorecards regardless of ideology or number.

Click here for an overview of legislative scorecards in all 50 states. To contribute to the list of Massachusetts scorecards, email suggestions toeditor@ballotpedia.org.


2024

To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2024, click [show].   

In 2024, theMassachusetts State Legislature was in session from January 3 to December 31. Formal session ended on July 31, 2024 and an informal session was convened from August 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024.

Legislators are scored on bills of interest to an organization that pledges "to make government more transparent, make fiscally responsible choices, and to hold the line on taxes."
Legislators are scored on their sponsorship of legislation related to animal issues.
Legislators are scored on their votes on bills related to business issues.
Legislators are scored by the organization on votes that "can show the distinction between a progressive legislator, and everyone else."


2023

To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2023, click [show].   

In 2023, theMassachusetts State Legislature was in session from January 4 to November 15.

Legislators are scored on bills of interest to an organization that pledges "to make government more transparent, make fiscally responsible choices, and to hold the line on taxes."
Legislators are scored on their votes on conservative issues.


2022

To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2022, click [show].   

In 2022, theMassachusetts State Legislature was in session from January 5 to August 1.

Legislators are scored on bills of interest to an organization that pledges "to make government more transparent, make fiscally responsible choices, and to hold the line on taxes."
Legislators are scored on their sponsorship of legislation related to animal issues.
Legislators are scored by the organization on votes that "can show the distinction between a progressive legislator, and everyone else."
Legislators are scored on their votes on bills related to business issues.


2021

To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2021, click [show].   

In 2021, theMassachusetts State Legislature was in session from January 6 to January 4.

Legislators are scored on bills of interest to an organization that pledges "to make government more transparent, make fiscally responsible choices, and to hold the line on taxes."
Legislators are scored on their sponsorship of legislation related to animal issues.
Legislators are scored by the organization on votes that "can show the distinction between a progressive legislator, and everyone else."
Legislators are scored on their votes on conservative issues.


2020

To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2020, click [show].   

In 2020, theMassachusetts State Legislature was in session from January 1 to January 5.

Legislators are scored on bills of interest to an organization that pledges "to make government more transparent, make fiscally responsible choices, and to hold the line on taxes."
Legislators are scored on their votes on public interest issues.
Legislators are scored on their sponsorship of legislation related to animal issues.
Legislators are scored on their votes on bills related to business issues.
Legislators are scored by the organization on votes that "can show the distinction between a progressive legislator, and everyone else."
Legislators are scored on their votes on conservative issues.


2019

To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2019, click [show].   

In 2019, theMassachusetts General Court was in session from January 2 through December 31.

Legislators are scored on bills of interest to an organization that pledges "to make government more transparent, make fiscally responsible choices, and to hold the line on taxes."
Legislators are scored on their sponsorship of legislation related to animal issues.
Legislators are scored by the organization on votes that "can show the distinction between a progressive legislator, and everyone else."
Legislators are scored on their votes on conservative issues.


2018

To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2018, click [show].   

In 2018, theMassachusetts General Court was in formal session from January 3 to July 31. The legislature was in informal session from August 1 to December 31.

Legislators are scored on bills of interest to an organization that pledges "to make government more transparent, make fiscally responsible choices, and to hold the line on taxes."
Legislators are scored on their sponsorship of legislation related to animal issues.
Legislators are scored on their votes on bills related to reproductive health issues.
Legislators are scored by the organization on votes that "can show the distinction between a progressive legislator, and everyone else."
Legislators are scored on their votes on conservative issues.


2017

To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2017, click [show].   

In 2017, theMassachusetts General Court was in session from January 4 through November 15. The legislature held an informal session from November 16 to January 2.

Legislators are scored on bills of interest to an organization that pledges "to make government more transparent, make fiscally responsible choices, and to hold the line on taxes."
Legislators are scored on their sponsorship of legislation related to animal issues.
Legislators are scored by the organization on votes that "can show the distinction between a progressive legislator, and everyone else."
Legislators are scored on their votes on conservative issues.


2016

To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2016, click [show].   

In 2016, theMassachusetts General Court was in session from January 6 through July 31.

Legislators are scored on their votes on bills related to business issues.
Legislators are scored on bills related to firearms policy.
Legislators are scored on their votes on bills related to environmental issues.
Legislators are scored on bills of interest to an organization that pledges "to make government more transparent, make fiscally responsible choices, and to hold the line on taxes."
Legislators are scored on their sponsorship of legislation related to animal issues.
Legislators are scored on their votes on bills related to business issues.
Legislators are scored by the organization on votes that "can show the distinction between a progressive legislator, and everyone else."
Legislators are scored on their votes on conservative issues.
  • The Environmental League of Massachusetts:Senate andHouse
Legislators are scored on their votes on bills related to environmental issues.


2015

To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2015, click [show].   

In 2015, theMassachusetts General Court was in session from January 7, 2015, through January 5, 2016.

Legislators are scored on bills of interest to an organization that pledges "to make government more transparent, make fiscally responsible choices, and to hold the line on taxes."
Legislators are scored on bills related to reproductive health issues.
Legislators are scored on their votes on conservative issues.


2014

To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2014, click [show].   

In 2014, theMassachusetts General Court was in session from January 14 through August 1.

Legislators are scored on bills of interest to an organization of employers.
Legislators are scored on bills of interest to an organization that pledges "to make government more transparent, make fiscally responsible choices, and to hold the line on taxes."
Legislators are scored on bills selected by a "statewide, grassroots [organization] for progressive change in Massachusetts."
Legislators are scored on their votes on conservative issues.
Legislators are scored on environmental issues.


2013

To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2013, click [show].   

In 2013, theMassachusetts General Court was in session from January 2 to December 31.

Legislators are scored on bills of interest to an organization of employers.
Legislators are scored on bills of interest to an organization that pledges "to make government more transparent, make fiscally responsible choices, and to hold the line on taxes."
Legislators are scored on bills selected by a "statewide, grassroots [organization] for progressive change in Massachusetts."
Legislators are scored on environmental issues.


2012

To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2012, click [show].   

In 2012, theMassachusetts General Court was in session from January 4 through July 31.

Legislators are scored on bills of interest to an organization of employers.
Legislators are scored on environmental issues.
Legislators are scored by MASSPIRG on bills related to "the price of health care, consumer protection, recycling, transportation and democracy."
Legislators are scored on bills selected by a "statewide, grassroots [organization] for progressive change in Massachusetts."


2011

To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2011, click [show].   

In 2011, theMassachusetts General Court was in session from January 5 through November 16.

Legislators are scored on bills of interest to an organization of employers.
Legislators are scored on environmental issues.
Legislators are scored by MASSPIRG on bills related to "the price of health care, consumer protection, recycling, transportation and democracy."
  • Legislators are scored on bills selected by a "statewide, grassroots [organization] for progressive change in Massachusetts."

Noteworthy events

Omitting party affiliation

According to aBoston Herald article, Spilka has sent mailings to voters that do not list her party affiliation. The mailing reportedly says Spilka hopes to become the "next state senator," despite having served in office since 2004. He campaign officials said they are "running as if we're running for the first time."[19] Spilka's opponent said people don't care about a candidate's party, but rather, "whether you're an incumbent or a challenger."[20]

See also


External links

Officeholder

Massachusetts State Senate Middlesex and Norfolk District

  • Website
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • YouTube

    • Personal

  • Website
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn

    • Footnotes

    1. ↑The MetroWest Daily News, "Spilka seizes opportunity to become Senate president," July 26, 2018
    2. ↑2.02.12.22.3The 194th General Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, "Senate President Karen E. Spilka," accessed March 17, 2025
    3. ↑Massachusetts Almanac, "Spilka, Karen E. (Democrat)," accessed March 17, 2025
    4. ↑4.04.1MetroWest Daily News, "Senate President Karen Spilka reflects on legislative session, MetroWest initiatives," December 16, 2024
    5. ↑Massachusetts Secretary of State, "2016 State election candidates," accessed October 3, 2016
    6. ↑Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth, "Election data lookup," accessed December 20, 2016
    7. ↑Massachusetts Secretary of State, "2016 Primary Candidates (Democratic)," accessed June 20, 2016
    8. ↑Secretary of the Commonweath of Massachusetts, "Massachusetts Election Statistics," accessed October 14, 2016
    9. ↑Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth, "2014 State Primary Candidates," accessed September 9, 2014
    10. ↑WBUR "State Rep. Carl Sciortino Announces Congressional Bid" accessed June 27, 2013
    11. ↑Boston.com, "Secretary of state to set Senate special election date of June 25," January 28, 2013
    12. ↑The Boston Globe, "William ‘Mo’ Cowan to be interim US senator," January 30, 2013
    13. ↑Cite error: Invalid<ref> tag; no text was provided for refs nameddprimary
    14. ↑Framingham Patch, "15th Labor Union Endorses Sen. Spilka for Congress" accessed August 7, 2013
    15. ↑2012 State Primary Candidate List, "Massachusetts Secretary of State," accessed June 26, 2012
    16. ↑2012Massachusetts Secretary of State, Official 2012 Primary Results
    17. ↑Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth, "Return of Votes For Massachusetts State Election - November 4, 2008," accessed March 18, 2014
    18. ↑Follow the Money, "2008 campaign contributions," accessed December 29, 2014
    19. ↑Boston Herald, "Identity crisis hits Democrats" October 19, 2010
    20. ↑Metro West Daily News, "Many candidates leave party affiliation off literature" October 16, 2010

    Political offices
    Preceded by
    -    		Massachusetts State Senate Middlesex and Norfolk District
    2023-Present    		Succeeded by
    -
    Preceded by
    -    		Massachusetts State Senate 2nd Middlesex and Norfolk District (Historical)
    2005-2023    		Succeeded by
    -
    Preceded by
    -    		Massachusetts House of Representatives 7th Middlesex District
    2001-2005    		Succeeded by
    -


    Current members of theMassachusetts State Senate
    Senators
    Berkshire, Hampden, Franklin, and Hampshire District
    Bristol and Norfolk District
    Cape and Islands District
    Hampden District
    Hampden and Hampshire District
    Hampden, Hampshire, and Worcester District
    Hampshire, Franklin and Worcester District
    Middlesex and Norfolk District
    Middlesex and Suffolk District
    Middlesex and Worcester District
    Norfolk and Middlesex District
    Norfolk and Plymouth District
    Norfolk and Suffolk District
    Norfolk, Plymouth, and Bristol District
    Norfolk, Worcester, and Middlesex District
    Plymouth and Barnstable District
    Suffolk and Middlesex District
    Worcester and Hampden District
    Worcester and Hampshire District
    Worcester and Middlesex District
    1st Bristol and Plymouth District
    1st Essex District
    1st Essex and Middlesex District
    1st Middlesex District
    Vacant
    1st Plymouth and Norfolk District
    1st Suffolk District
    1st Worcester District
    2nd Bristol and Plymouth District
    2nd Essex District
    2nd Essex and Middlesex District
    2nd Middlesex District
    2nd Plymouth and Norfolk District
    2nd Suffolk District
    2nd Worcester District
    3rd Bristol and Plymouth District
    3rd Essex District
    3rd Middlesex District
    3rd Suffolk District
    4th Middlesex District
    5th Middlesex District
    Democratic Party (34)
    Republican Party (5)
    Vacancies (1)


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