Karen E. Spilka is a Democrat serving as Senate President of the Massachusetts State Senate, representing the 2nd Middlesex and Norfolk district. This district includes the MetroWest communities of Ashland, Framingham, Franklin, Holliston, Hopkinton, Medway, and Natick. A respected leader known for pragmatic fiscal policy and progressive causes, she has chaired key committees like Ways and Means and advanced major reforms, including the Student Opportunity Act for equitable education funding, comprehensive police reform with a civilian-led commission, the Mental Health ABC Act, tuition-free community college, lower prescription drug costs, the Affordable Homes Act, and building Massachusetts' largest "Rainy Day" fund.

Education and Political Experience

• Education: Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Social Work from Cornell University; J.D. from Northeastern University School of Law.
• Early Career: Worked as a social worker counseling kids and families; labor and employment attorney for employees, unions, Massachusetts Water Resources Authority, and the Commonwealth; private practice as arbitrator, mediator, and trainer in labor, employment, and conflict resolution.
• Public Service: Served on Ashland School Committee , Democratic Town Committee, Fiscal Affairs Committee, Charter Review Committee, and Personnel Board.
• Legislative Roles:
  • Massachusetts House of Representatives .
  • Massachusetts State Senate : Chair of Joint Committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities ; Chair of Joint Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies ; Assistant Majority Whip ; Majority Whip ; Chair of Senate Ways and Means ; Senate President .