Despite twenty-one incumbent state lawmakers retiring, not much has changed in the composition of the Massachusetts House and Senate this election. There were very few contested races in 2024 with most incumbents easily securing their re-election.

Although many legislators were ineligible for endorsement this year due to a poor performance on our 2023-24 NFIB Voting Record, the NFIB MA PAC endorsed a handful of incumbent and challenger candidates. Here are the outcomes:

Senate:

• Third Bristol and Plymouth- Kelly Dooner (won)
• Worcester and Middlesex – Nicholas Pirro (lost)
• Worcester and Hampshire – Peter Durant* (won)
• Worcester and Hampden – Ryan Fattman* (won)

House:

• 1st Middlesex – Lynne Archambault (lost)
• 1st Bristol – Michael Chaisson (won)
• 3rd Hampden – Nick Boldyga* (won)
• 22nd Middlesex – Marc Lombardo* (won)
• 1st Plymouth- Jesse Brown (lost)
• 5th Plymouth – David DeCoste* (won)
• 6th Plymouth – Kenneth Sweezey (won)
• 7th Plymouth – Alyson Sullivan-Almeida* (won)
• 2nd Worcester – Bruce Chester (lost)
• 5th Worcester – Donald Berthiaume* (won)

*denotes incumbent legislator

Question 5, phasing out the tipped wage, was soundly defeated with 64% of Massachusetts voters rejecting this job-killing proposal filed by a group out of California. NFIB strongly opposed Question 5 joining the Committee to Protect Tips comprised of business associations, chambers of commerce, and restaurant operators. It was important to note that both servers and restaurant owners opposed this devastating change that would harm a business’ bottom line and workers’ take-home pay.

Question 5 would have also expanded beyond hospitality, impacting other types of tipped positions (salons, barber shops, hotels) due to the tip sharing provision. Thankfully, Question 5’s defeat will send a powerful message that servers and business owners prefer the status quo and help to halt any future attempts to inflict this devastating proposal in other states.