Joe McGonagle is known as a hard-working state representative who is accessible to constituents, respected by the leadership on Beacon Hill, and a leader who works closely with his colleagues in local, state and federal government.
McGonagle credits that as a successful formula for any public servant.
McGonagle was elected in November 2014, after becoming the only challenger in Massachusetts to defeat an incumbent in the Democratic Primary Election. Since then, McGonagle has brought the experience he’s garnered from public service, and as a small business owner, to his job as state representative for the 28th Middlesex District.
McGonagle is running for re-election because he said Everett deserves representatives who have the experience, relationships and work ethic that will allow them to deliver for Everett residents and Everett family.
He said he knows Everett is on the move, and he has the smarts to help move the city to even greater things in the years ahead.
During his first term, working alongside House Leadership and State Sen. Sal DiDomenico, McGonagle fought to make sure Everett residents got the resources and funding they deserved from the State House. In the session that ended in July, the Legislature passed several major bills related to substance addiction, energy, economic development, civil rights and regulatory reform – including rules governing the “ride-for-hire” industry.
The House also bolstered its reputation as the champion of municipalities with record levels of local aid and multiple bills to support cities like Everett, and to improve public safety and education.
McGonagle also fought for and won new funding to fight the opiate scourge in Everett. Senior Aid was also increased in this session.
“I’m proud to be one of Everett’s representatives at the State House, and I’m glad that we’ve had such a productive session, passing legislation that has a real impact on working families here in Everett and beyond,” said McGonagle. “When we invest in our community, we have a real impact on people’s lives.”
Rep. McGonagle’s hard work has been recognized by his peers in government, including Everett State Senator Sal DiDomenico.
“Everett needs Joe McGonagle at the State House and I need Joe McGonagle to continue the good work we have started together in Everett,” said DiDomenico, who has endorsed McGonagle in Thursday’s election.
Also endorsing Rep. McGonagle are Congressman Michael Capuano, House Speaker Robert DeLeo, nine members of the Everett City Council, and a host of unions including 1199SEIU, Laborer’s Local 27 and Boston Carmen’s Union AFL-CIO Local 589.
“I’m proud and honored that so many of the people I respect in public service have endorsed my candidacy,” said McGonagle. “I’m hopeful that I’ve earned the vote of working families in Everett.”
McGonagle is a first ‘third generation’ Everett public servant – his father and his grandfather both served in Everett City government. Raised in a family that gave much to community and inspired by his father, a lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Army, McGonagle too ran for office and served as both an Everett city councilor and an alderman. He was twice elected by his peers as resident of the Board of City Council.
McGonagle’s construction business, J&M Build Corp., has a reputation as professional, diverse company that provides top-quality work. It has also given McGonagle a keen understanding of the time, effort and expense of navigating the pathways of government.
McGonagle enjoys campaigning and has knocked on doors throughout the city over the summer. His volunteers are a regular sight in Everett Square holding signs and campaigning with Joe.
“I always learn some of the best ideas about what government can do when I’m talking to residents at their doors,” said McGonagle. “If I missed you, or didn’t make it to your door, and you have a question, I’m always available to talk.”
McGonagle can be reached at (617) 389-5105, or email him at [email protected].
The Democratic Primary Election is set for Thursday, Sept. 8. Polls are open from 7 a.m.-8 p.m. Because there is no Republican running for this seat, the winner of Thursday’s Primary Election will be the next state representative for Everett.