Ann-Margaret Ferrante was a Democratic member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives, representing the 5th Essex district . A lifelong Gloucester resident and daughter of a fisherman and school librarian, she served from 2009 to 2025, winning nine terms, including the 2024 general election with 67% of the vote. Ferrante was a dedicated advocate for fisheries, education, veterans, the disabled, small businesses, and economic development on Cape Ann. She championed new technology for fish stock assessments, vocational programs in marine biotechnology and building trades, and cultural districts to boost tourism and arts. At her death from pancreatic cancer at age 53, leaders praised her as a central voice for Cape Ann's fishing industry, small businesses, and coastal economy.

Education and Political Experience

• Education: Gloucester High School; Tufts University; Suffolk Law School .
• Political Experience: Elected in 2008 after defeating incumbent Anthony Verga in the Democratic primary . Served 2009–2025.
  • Current roles : Vice Chair, House Committee on Ways and Means; member, House Committee on Post Audit and Oversight, House Committee on Operations, Facilities and Building Security, and House Committee on Steering, Policy and Scheduling.
  • Past roles: First Division Chair of the Massachusetts House; House Chair, Joint Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies; House Chair, Joint Committee on Community Development and Small Businesses; House Vice Chair, Joint Committee on Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture.