Representative Margaret Scarsdale

Political Party: Democrat

District: 1st Middlesex

Margaret Scarsdale is the current member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives from the 1st Middlesex district. She was first elected in November 2022, following a recount, court challenge, and special legislative committee review after a closely contested election against Republican Andrew Shepherd and Independent candidate Cathy Lundeen.

The daughter of a military veteran, Margaret grew up outside of Fort Benning, Georgia, in a family that often struggled financially. She dropped out of high school at the end of her junior year to help support her family, but earned her General Equivalency Diploma at age 17 while working full-time.

In 1984, she relocated to Massachusetts and established herself as a consultant and writing professional. Her expertise was sought by major employers including Digital Equipment Corporation and Motorola. She settled in Groton and later Pepperell with her husband Jim Scarsdale and their two children.

Education and Political Experience

Margaret returned to school and graduated with the Chancellor's Medal of Honor, earning a dual degree in American Studies and Sociology. She received a full scholarship to a doctoral program in Sociology at Northeastern University.

Before her election to the state legislature, Scarsdale served as Chair of the Pepperell Select Board, where she led downtown economic development initiatives and secured funding for revitalization projects. She also worked at Ayer Town Hall, administering over a million dollars in state grants for economic development.

As a community leader, Scarsdale served as Chair of the Light, Air, and Noise Bylaw Committee in Pepperell, where she successfully championed the passage of a protective Noise Bylaw at Town Meeting. Additionally, she obtained her teaching certification and taught English Language Arts to middle school students.

In the Massachusetts House of Representatives, Scarsdale is described as bringing collaborative and proactive leadership to her district while engaging in fierce advocacy for her constituents on complex issues at the State House.