Representative Andy Vargas

Andres X. Vargas is a Democratic state representative for the 3rd Essex District in the Massachusetts House of Representatives, representing his hometown of Haverhill. He is one of the youngest members of the Massachusetts House.

Vargas resides in Haverhill with his wife Rikelma, an educator, and their two sons, Rubén and Henry. The family also has a Goldendoodle named Merengue.

Education and Early Career

Vargas graduated from Boston University in 2015. While still in high school, he joined Teens Leading The Way, a statewide coalition that organizes and empowers young leaders from communities including Haverhill, Lawrence, Lowell, Worcester, Everett, Boston, and Springfield. Through this organization, he participated in drafting and filing legislation for civics education as a high school graduation requirement, which received 48 co-sponsors and bipartisan support.

Political Experience

Haverhill City Council

In 2015, just months after graduating from Boston University, Vargas was elected to the Haverhill City Council as one of its youngest-ever members at age 22. During his council tenure, he focused on investing in education, funding public safety through capital improvements and staffing for police and fire departments, and ensuring transparent and accessible city government.

State Representative

Vargas won a special election in 2017 to represent the 3rd Essex District in the Massachusetts House of Representatives. In his first nine months in office, he secured nearly $3 million in funding for his district.

Currently, he serves as:
- House Chair of the Joint Committee on Community Development and Small Businesses
- Chair of the Massachusetts Black & Latino Caucus
- Vice Chair of the Joint Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies

Legislative Achievements

Vargas has successfully led and passed legislation on several key issues, including mandating civics education, boosting housing production, universal school meals, expanding access to Naloxone , and creating a new gun violence prevention program within the Department of Public Health. He has also championed issues of education, public health, housing, inclusive entrepreneurship, climate justice, and public safety throughout his tenure.