Rita Mendes

Rita Mendes is an American state legislator serving in the Massachusetts House of Representatives, representing the 11th Plymouth district. She is a member of the Democratic Party and resides in Brockton, Massachusetts.

Mendes immigrated to America at age 12 and has been a long-time resident of Brockton, where she has built her career as a mother, attorney, and real estate agent. She made history by becoming the first Brazilian-American to hold office in Brockton when she was elected to the Brockton City Council in 2019.

Education

Mendes graduated from Brockton High School and attended Massasoit Community College. She earned her bachelor's degree from UMass Dartmouth and completed her law degree from New England Law School.

Political Experience

Mendes was elected to the Brockton City Council in 2019. In 2022, following President Joe Biden's appointment of Claire Cronin as ambassador to Ireland, Mendes announced her candidacy for the vacant Massachusetts House of Representatives seat in the 11th Plymouth district. She won the Democratic primary with 67.6% of the vote and subsequently won the general election with over 90% of the vote, facing no opposition.

As State Representative, Mendes maintains an office at the State House in Boston and continues to serve the Brockton community.