Andrea Joy Campbell

Andrea Joy Campbell is an American lawyer and politician serving as the 45th Attorney General of Massachusetts since January 18, 2023. She is the first Black woman to hold this office and only the second Black person to hold it in Massachusetts history, preceded by Edward Brooke. Campbell is also the first Black woman to be elected to statewide office in Massachusetts history.

Born and raised in the Roxbury and South End neighborhoods of Boston, Campbell's personal story encompasses experiences in foster care before attending Princeton University. She is a resident of Mattapan and a mother of two.

As Attorney General, Campbell has outlined priorities focused on holding powerful entities accountable, creating economic prosperity and stability for families, prioritizing mental health and well-being of young people, and making the Attorney General's office more accessible to all Massachusetts residents regardless of income, language, zip code, or ability.

Education

Campbell earned her law degree and subsequently worked as a legal services attorney for the EdLaw project, where she defended the rights of children and their families, particularly those with disabilities.

Political Experience

*Boston City Council *
Campbell was first elected to the Boston City Council in 2015, becoming the first woman to represent District 4 on the Council. Her first major legislative achievement was the Community Preservation Act, which generates over $20 million annually for affordable housing, historical preservation, and parks and open space.

In 2018, she was unanimously elected City Council President, becoming the first Black woman to hold this title. She served in this role until 2020.

In 2021, Campbell ran for Mayor of Boston in a nonpartisan primary election but placed third.

Prior Legal and Government Work
Before her city council service, Campbell practiced employment law at Proskauer LLP and served as General Counsel at the Metropolitan Area Planning Commission, working across 101 cities and towns on regional challenges including health care access, transportation, affordable housing, and climate change. She also served as legal counsel to Governor Deval Patrick, focusing on education and transportation system improvements and equity initiatives.

*Attorney General *
Campbell ran for Attorney General of Massachusetts in 2022 as a member of the Democratic Party. She was the first Black woman to qualify for ballot access for statewide office in Massachusetts. She won the Democratic primary with a decisive victory and won the general election with 62.6 percent of the vote. She was sworn in on January 18, 2023, at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center.