The Longest Serving Legislators in Massachusetts

In this week’s blog, we pay homage to the longest-serving legislators in Massachusetts. Their continued dedication and commitment to the Commonwealth has spanned several decades and their influence can be seen across major policy areas. Continue reading to find out which Senator and Representative has been in office the longest—and learn about some of their most impactful contributions to state policy.

Senate

The Massachusetts Senate has no shortage of institutional knowledge, and these three legislators lead the pack when it comes to time in office. Senator Mark Montigny (D-New Bedford) currently holds the title of longest-serving senator, with 33 years under his belt since first being elected in 1991. He’s followed by Senator Bruce Tarr (R-Gloucester) at 30 years, and Senator Cynthia Stone Creem (D-Newton) at 26 years.

Mark Montigny (D-New Bedford) - 33 Years

Senator Montigny, Dean of the Senate, has long been one of the Senate’s most persistent voices on human rights issues. One of his landmark victories was the passage of the Commonwealth’s anti-human trafficking law in 2011 (Chapter 178 of the Acts of 2011), where he served as a conferee on the conference committee. This legislation created significant protections for survivors of trafficking and established a trust fund to support them. Montigny had filed anti-trafficking bills for years before the 2011 version finally gained momentum—a powerful example of legislative persistence paying off. 

Bruce Tarr (R-Gloucester) - 30 Years

As the Senate’s Minority Leader since 2011, Senator Tarr has left a lasting imprint on bipartisan reforms. He was instrumental in the Mental Health ABC Act (Chapter 177 of the Acts of 2022), particularly in his role on the conference committee. One standout provision championed by Tarr was the creation of a pediatric mental health task force, aimed at improving access to care for children. His work helped move the state toward a more proactive and accessible mental health system.

Cynthia Stone Creem (D-Newton) - 26 Years

Senator Creem, Senate Majority Leader since 2018,  played a leading role in one of the most ambitious criminal justice overhauls in recent state history: the 2018 Massachusetts Criminal Justice Reform Act (Chapter 69 of the Acts of 2018). She was instrumental in building consensus, crafting key reforms, and guiding the bill through the legislative process. The result? Sweeping changes to sentencing laws, bail practices, and juvenile justice—solidifying her legacy as a champion for justice reform.

House of Representatives

In the House of Representatives, a handful of lawmakers have been shaping state policy for well over three decades, too. Representative Kevin Honan (D-Boston) stands as the longest-serving member in the entire legislature, first elected in 1986 and now in his 39th year of service. Close behind is Representative Colleen Gary (D-Dracut) with 37 years, followed by a cluster of long-tenured legislators—Representatives Antonio Cabral (D-New Bedford), William Galvin (D-Canton), David Linsky (D-Natick), and House Speaker Ron Mariano (D-Quincy)—each marking 34 years in office since their 1991 elections. The graph below highlights the depth of experience these legislators bring to the House.

Kevin Honan (D-Boston) - 39 Years

Representative Kevin G. Honan has been a central architect of Massachusetts’ housing policy for decades, consistently advancing landmark legislation to address affordability, preservation, and equitable access. His leadership reached a milestone in 2018 with the passage of  Chapter 99 of the Acts of 2018, a historic $1.8 billion affordable housing bond bill (then the state’s largest investment in housing) which modernized public housing infrastructure, expanded the Affordable Housing Trust Fund, and prioritized community-based housing for vulnerable populations.

Colleen Garry (D-Dracut) - 37 Years

Rep. Garry has cultivated a 25-year legislative career centered on community-driven policymaking, with a consistent focus on public safety, family welfare, and elder care protections. Her committee assignments - including Judiciary, Revenue, and Labor committees across multiple sessions - have positioned her to influence policies affecting vulnerable populations. A landmark achievement includes spearheading Chapter 73 of the Acts of 2022, which secured state authorization for senior low-income housing development in Dracut, addressing critical gaps in affordable elder care accommodations. While much of her work focuses on local impacts, Garry’s consistency and advocacy for her constituents have earned her a strong presence on Beacon Hill. 

Antonio Cabral (D-New Bedford) - 34 Years

Rep. Cabral has led the charge for revitalizing Gateway Cities like his home district of New Bedford. His legacy is defined by his founding and leadership of the Gateway Cities Legislative Caucus since 2008, where he has championed significant investments in education, community revitalization, housing, and transit. Under his guidance, the caucus secured major funding for programs like Dual Enrollment, Early College, and Adult Basic Education, established the Downtown Vitality Fund to boost urban centers, expanded incentives for housing development, and advocated for improved commuter rail options. Cabral’s strategic, collaborative approach has delivered tangible resources and policy reforms, strengthening Gateway Cities’ economies and quality of life while positioning them as engines of regional growth.

These representatives serve as a reminder of how institutional knowledge and local commitment can drive real policy change. They show that behind many of the bills we track, there’s often a long history of quiet persistence, relationship-building, and deep roots in the communities they serve.

Whether they’ve been in office for 20 years or nearly 40, these legislators have helped shape modern Massachusetts policy in profound ways. Their influence touches housing, justice, health care, local development, and human rights—often through years of advocacy, coalition-building, and compromise.

For MassTrac users tracking policy change, this group offers case studies in legislative endurance, persistence, and effectiveness. Whether you’re lobbying a bill, tracking a trend, or crafting advocacy strategy, there’s a lot to learn from those who’ve shaped the landscape over decades.

Stay informed—and if you ever need help, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at info@instatrac.com.

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