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Joan Lovely
Politicians/Joan Lovely
Joan Lovely (D)
State Sen. (MA-2)
RunningState Senate · MA · Nov 3, 2026
Role Summary

State senators serve in their state's upper legislative chamber. Responsibilities include drafting and voting on state laws, representing their district, confirming gubernatorial appointments, and shaping the state budget. State senators typically serve longer terms than state representatives and represent larger districts. State legislation covers education, healthcare, infrastructure, criminal justice, and taxation.

Quick Facts
Party
Democrat
Age
68
Residence
Salem, MA
Born
August 22, 1958
Family
Husband: Stephen; 3 Children
Contact
617-722-1410Joan.Lovely@masenate.govmalegislature.gov/Legislators/Profile/JBL0
Election Info
DistrictSecond Essex, MA
Current Term01/2013 — Present
First Elected11/06/2012
Last Elected11/05/2024
Next Senator Election2026
Education
BS, Political Science
Salem State University
2006
AAS, Animal Science
Essex Technical Institute
1978
JD
Massachusetts School of Law
2009
Political Career8
Councillor-at-Large
Salem City Council
2004-2012
President
Salem City Council
2001, 2012
Member
Salem City Council
1998-2012
Assistant Majority Whip
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Senate
2017
Senator
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Senate
2013-Present
Former Acting Mayor
Salem City Council
Ward 3 Councilor
Salem City Council
1998-2004
Assistant Majority Leader
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Senate
2019-Present
Professional Background6
Legal Assistant
Tierney, Kalis, Adamopoulos & Lucas Law Firm
1981-1987
Legislative Aide
Representative J. Michael Ruane
2003-2005
Attorney
Lovely & Lovely Law Firm
2009-present
Co-Owner
Lovely Realty
2002-present
Employee
Coldwell Banker Real Estate
1994-1999
Manager
Carlson GMAC Real Estate
2000-2002
Organizations18
North Shore Medical Center
Community Ambassador
Salem Public Schools
Literacy Buddy
Board of Directors, Destination Salem
Member
Board of Directors, Salem Main Streets
Member
Castle Hill Playground Committee
Member
Salem Flood Control Committee
Member
Market and Tourism Commission
Council Liaison
Administration and Finance Committee, Salem City Council
Former Chair
Ordinances, Licenses and Legal Affairs Committee, Salem City Council
Former Chair
Council of Aging Board of Directors
Former Council Liaison
Salem Senior Center Committee
Member
Government Services Committee, Salem City Council
Former Member
Licensing Board
Council Liaison
Sunshine Ordinance/Open Meeting Law Committee, Salem City Council
Former Member
Community and Economic Development Committee, Salem City Council
Former Chair
Commission on Disabilities
Former Council Liaison
Public Health, Safety and the Environment Committee, Salem City Council
Former Chair
Ellen Story Commission on Postpartum Depression
Member/Former Chair
Committees7
Global Warming and Climate Change Committee
Joint Committee on Agriculture
Joint Committee on Community Development and Small Business
Joint Committee on Elder Affairs
Joint Committee on Emergency Preparedness and Managment
Joint Committee on Rules
Rules Committee
Quick Facts
Party
Democrat
Age
68
Residence
Salem, MA
Born
August 22, 1958
Family
Husband: Stephen; 3 Children
Contact
617-722-1410Joan.Lovely@masenate.govmalegislature.gov/Legislators/Profile/JBL0