Massachusetts State Senate 1st Middlesex District

Current seat holder: Vanna Howard.

Vanna Howard

Vanna Howard She assumed office on March 18, 2026.

· Official legislative page

Campaign site

“I came here at 11 after surviving a communist genocide. I lost my dad, three siblings, and grandparents. I faced homelessness, hunger, and domestic violence, but this community got me through it.” (Campaign website (vannahoward.com))
“I am truly honored that the voters of the first Middlesex District have placed their trust in me.” (Massachusetts Legislature Press Room (malegislature.gov))

Sam Meas

Sam Meas ( Republican Party ) is running for election to the Massachusetts State Senate to represent the 1st Middlesex District.

Campaign site

“Now he's running for State Senate to protect our freedoms and ensure opportunity for all.” (Campaign website (sammeas.com))
“Now it's my turn to give back and fight for the values that made this nation great—freedom, opportunity, and the promise that with hard work, anyone can succeed.” (Campaign website (sammeas.com))
“Sky-high energy bills are crushing families. Democrats on Beacon Hill refuse to act. I'll fight for affordable, practical energy solutions that put money back in your pocket.” (Campaign website (sammeas.com))

Joe Espinola

Joe Espinola is a Independent (Independent) candidate for the Massachusetts State Senate in the First Middlesex District on the November 3, 2026 general election ballot. According to the Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth official candidate list, Joe Espinola filed from Dracut, Massachusetts, and qualified for the November 3, 2026 state election following the September 1, 2026 state primary.

Campaign site

“I grew up in Lowell’s Back Central neighborhood, where a strong sense of community existed alongside real challenges. Addiction ultimately took my older brother’s life at 45, shaping my understanding of struggle, resilience, and the need for a firm commitment to public safety, prevention, and compassionate community support.” (Campaign website (joe4change.com))
“My public service career began at MCI Concord as a Correction Officer in 1989 and continued with the Lowell Police Department. Less than a year into policing, I was seriously injured after being struck by a fleeing felony suspect’s vehicle.” (Campaign website (joe4change.com))
“In 2005, I responded to a nighttime emergency involving a man attempting suicide in the Merrimack River. I entered the icy water and helped save his life, as well as that of my partner.” (Campaign website (joe4change.com))