Senator Joan B. Lovely is a Democratic state senator representing the Second Essex District in Massachusetts, which includes the cities of Beverly, Peabody, and Salem, and the town of Danvers. She is an attorney and owner of Lovely Law Group, a mother of three, and grandmother of one. Currently in her fifth term since 2013, she serves as Assistant Majority Leader, Chair of the Senate Committee on Rules, Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Rules, and Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Bills in the Third Reading. Notable achievements include prior service on the Salem City Council , where she was President in 2001 and 2012 and Acting Mayor; co-chairing the Castle Hill Playground Committee; and leadership in caucuses like the Massachusetts Caucus of Women Legislators, Coastal Caucus, and Climate Alliance Caucus. She has advocated for mental health reform via the ABC Act, offshore wind energy, electric vehicle subsidies, and climate change initiatives.

Education and Political Experience

• Education: Alumna of Essex Tech, undergraduate degree from Salem State University, and law degree from Massachusetts School of Law.
• Political Experience:
  • Massachusetts State Senate, Second Essex District: 2013–present .
  • Salem City Council: 1998–2012 .
  • Unsuccessful 2004 Democratic primary run for State Representative.
  • Elected to Senate in 2012 after defeating primary opponents.
  • Key committee roles: Joint Committee on Housing, Senate Committees on Steering and Policy, Global Warming and Climate Change, Reimagining Massachusetts Post-Pandemic Resiliency; Senate Chair of Ellen Story Commission on Postpartum Depression.