Edward J. Kennedy

Edward James Kennedy Jr. was born on March 24, 1951, and served as a Democratic member of the Massachusetts Senate representing the First Middlesex District from 2019 until his death on October 1, 2025. He was a lifelong resident of Lowell and previously served as the 90th Mayor of Lowell from 2016 to 2018.

Education

Kennedy was a graduate of Boston University and earned a Master's of Public Administration from Framingham State University.

Political Experience

Kennedy's political career spanned nearly five decades. He began by winning a seat on the Lowell City Council in 1977 at age 26, serving four terms from 1978 to 1985. He then served as a Commissioner of Middlesex County from 1989 to 1996 before his election to the Massachusetts Senate.

In the State Senate, Kennedy served on seven legislative committees, including as chair of the Joint Committee on Tourism, Arts and Cultural Development, and as vice chair of the Joint Committee on Community Development and Small Businesses. He also chaired the Senate's Joint Committee on Bonding, Capital Expenditures, and State Assets.

Notable Achievements

Kennedy's tenure was marked by significant accomplishments across multiple policy areas:

• Secured $100 million in funding for the Massachusetts School Building Authority through COVID-era school district reimbursement legislation incorporated into the 2024 budget
• Led efforts to secure $51 million in investments for the Massachusetts Cultural Council through the COVID-19 Cultural Impact Commission
• Introduced legislation to increase penalties for shooting at a dwelling from a misdemeanor to a felony with up to $10,000 in fines and incarceration
• Focused on education, COVID-19 recovery, cultural development, and environmental sustainability initiatives