Big Ideas,
Real Impact.

Affordability, equity, and effective government are not abstract ideas. They are the difference between whether families can stay in their homes, whether workers can build a future, and whether communities can thrive. As a Somerville city councilor, Matt MacLaughlin has focused on turning community values into measurable results. As State Senator, he will bring that same relentless focus to Beacon Hill to meet the moment facing our region.

Housing that works for everyone

The affordability crisis is the defining challenge of our time. Matt believes housing policy must serve families, seniors, and working people, not just speculation and luxury development. In Somerville, he helped advance a requirement that 20 percent of units in new developments be affordable, ensuring growth delivers real public benefit. He also supported the city’s first modern triple decker ordinance, expanding family sized housing while preserving neighborhood character. In the State Senate, Matt will fight for policies that increase housing supply responsibly, protect tenants, and keep long term residents rooted in their communities.

Public health and harm reduction

Healthy communities require evidence based public health leadership. Matt was a leading advocate for equipping first responders with Narcan, helping make Somerville one of the first Massachusetts communities to do so. This work saved lives and set a model for other cities. He has consistently supported substance use prevention and treatment programs that prioritize compassion, science, and dignity. At the state level, Matt will push for expanded access to mental health care, addiction services, and public health infrastructure that meets people where they are.

Smarter, safer communities

Public safety must be effective, humane, and forward looking. Matt has supported prison diversion initiatives that reduce recidivism and keep families together while maintaining accountability. He has championed embedding social workers alongside police to respond to mental health crises and nonviolent emergencies more effectively. As State Senator, he will continue to advocate for modern public safety strategies that protect residents, support first responders, and invest in prevention.

Standing with working families and frontline workers

Matt believes that strong communities are built by strong workers. He has consistently fought for organized labor, local hiring, and prevailing wage standards so public investments create good jobs. He understands that affordability is inseparable from wages, benefits, and job security. In the Senate, Matt will be a reliable voice for working families, frontline workers, and policies that strengthen the middle class.

Transparent and accountable government

Government works best when residents can see how decisions are made and how resources are allocated. Matt helped lead the first comprehensive overhaul of Somerville’s city charter in more than 100 years, modernizing city governance, increasing transparency, and improving the budget process. At the state level, he will work to make government more accessible, accountable, and responsive to the people it serves.

Environmental and traffic justice

Too often, the poorest neighborhoods bear the greatest environmental burdens. Matt has fought for environmental and traffic justice by addressing the impacts of I 93 congestion on surrounding communities, including air quality, noise, and public health. He supports solutions that reconnect neighborhoods and invest in cleaner, healthier infrastructure. In the Senate, Matt will push for climate and transportation policies that put environmental justice at the center.

Investing in young people

Every young person deserves safe spaces, opportunity, and support. Matt has been a strong advocate for youth programming such as Teen Empowerment, Becoming a Man, and Working on Womanhood. These programs provide mentorship, leadership development, and pathways to success. As State Senator, he will continue to fight for investments that help young people flourish and strengthen communities for generations to come.

Defending immigrant communities

Immigrants are central to the economic, cultural, and civic life of the Second Middlesex District. Matt helped codify Somerville’s Sanctuary City status into law, protecting residents and affirming shared values. He has promoted immigrant owned small businesses and supported expanded city services that help newcomers navigate daily life. In the Senate, he will stand firm for immigrant rights, inclusion, and policies that allow every resident to live without fear.

Transportation that works for everyone

Transportation is one of the biggest drivers of affordability. When buses are infrequent, unreliable, or too expensive, working families lose time, income, and opportunity. Matt believes transportation policy must make it easier and cheaper for people to get where they need to go.As State Senator, Matt will fight for more buses on the street, more frequent service, and fare free transit where possible, especially on bus routes that serve working class neighborhoods and essential workers. Reliable, frequent bus service is the fastest and most cost effective way to improve mobility across the Second Middlesex District.

Matt will advocate for dedicated bus lanes, transit signal priority, and operational funding that allows the MBTA and regional transit providers to run buses often enough that people do not need to plan their lives around a schedule. Transit should be something residents can count on, not a gamble.He also supports expanding fare free bus programs, building on successful pilots that have reduced household transportation costs and increased ridership. No one should have to choose between paying a bus fare and paying for groceries, rent, or childcare.

Safety and equity are central to Matt’s transportation vision. He will continue to support street designs that protect pedestrians and cyclists, reduce crashes, and prioritize neighborhoods that have long borne the impacts of congestion and pollution.

Transportation decisions must serve residents first. Matt will push for state transportation funding that is transparent, community driven, and aligned with housing, climate, and public health goals, so that buses, streets, and transit investments actually improve daily life.

A record of results. A vision for the future.

Matt MacLaughlin’s platform is grounded in real experience, community partnership, and a commitment to results. As State Senator, he will fight to ensure the Second Middlesex District remains a place where people can afford to live, raise families, build careers, and belong.