Caroline Colarusso

This page was current at the end of the individual's last campaign covered by Ballotpedia. Please contact us with any updates.

Caroline Colarusso

Republican Party

Elections and appointments

Last election

November 8, 2022

Education

Bachelor's

Emmanuel College

Personal

Birthplace

Boston, Mass.

Religion

Christian

Profession

U.S. Postmaster

Contact

Campaign website

Campaign Facebook

Campaign Twitter

Personal Facebook

Personal LinkedIn

Caroline Colarusso (Republican Party) ran for election to the U.S. House to represent Massachusetts' 5th Congressional District. She lost in the general election on November 8, 2022.

Colarusso was an unsuccessful 2016 Republican candidate for the Thirty-first Middlesex District of the Massachusetts House of Representatives.

Colarusso is a member of the Board of Selectmen in Stoneham, Massachusetts.

Biography

Caroline Colarusso was born in Boston, Massachusetts. She earned a bachelor's degree from Emmanuel College. Colarusso's career experience includes working as a postmaster with the United States Postal Service.

Elections

2022

See also: Massachusetts' 5th Congressional District election, 2022

General election

General election for U.S. House Massachusetts District 5

Incumbent Katherine Clark defeated Caroline Colarusso in the general election for U.S. House Massachusetts District 5 on November 8, 2022.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Katherine Clark (D)	74.0	203,994
		Caroline Colarusso (R)	25.9	71,491
		Other/Write-in votes	0.1	186

---

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 275,671
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

• Washington Blask (Independent)

Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for U.S. House Massachusetts District 5

Incumbent Katherine Clark advanced from the Democratic primary for U.S. House Massachusetts District 5 on September 6, 2022.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Katherine Clark	99.6	84,845
		Other/Write-in votes	0.4	329

---

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 85,174
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Republican primary election

Republican primary for U.S. House Massachusetts District 5

Caroline Colarusso advanced from the Republican primary for U.S. House Massachusetts District 5 on September 6, 2022.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Caroline Colarusso	99.0	16,184
		Other/Write-in votes	1.0	161

---

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 16,345
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
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2020

See also: Massachusetts' 5th Congressional District election, 2020

Massachusetts' 5th Congressional District election, 2020 (September 1 Republican primary)

Massachusetts' 5th Congressional District election, 2020 (September 1 Democratic primary)

General election

General election for U.S. House Massachusetts District 5

Incumbent Katherine Clark defeated Caroline Colarusso in the general election for U.S. House Massachusetts District 5 on November 3, 2020.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Katherine Clark (D)	74.3	294,427
		Caroline Colarusso (R)	25.6	101,351
		Other/Write-in votes	0.1	405

---

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 396,183
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for U.S. House Massachusetts District 5

Incumbent Katherine Clark advanced from the Democratic primary for U.S. House Massachusetts District 5 on September 1, 2020.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Katherine Clark	99.4	162,768
		Other/Write-in votes	0.6	938

---

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 163,706
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

• Raffaele Santino Depalma (D)

Republican primary election

Republican primary for U.S. House Massachusetts District 5

Caroline Colarusso advanced from the Republican primary for U.S. House Massachusetts District 5 on September 1, 2020.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Caroline Colarusso	98.2	18,818
		Other/Write-in votes	1.8	336

---

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 19,154
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

• Steven Pinckney (R)

2018

See also: Massachusetts House of Representatives elections, 2018

General election

General election for Massachusetts House of Representatives 31st Middlesex District

Incumbent Michael Day defeated Caroline Colarusso and Kateen Kumar in the general election for Massachusetts House of Representatives 31st Middlesex District on November 6, 2018.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Michael Day (D)	57.9	13,000
		Caroline Colarusso (R)	36.5	8,195
	Submit photo	Kateen Kumar (Independent)	3.1	692
		Other/Write-in votes	2.6	584

---

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 22,471
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for Massachusetts House of Representatives 31st Middlesex District

Incumbent Michael Day advanced from the Democratic primary for Massachusetts House of Representatives 31st Middlesex District on September 4, 2018.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Michael Day	100.0	4,272

---

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 4,272
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Republican primary election

Republican primary for Massachusetts House of Representatives 31st Middlesex District

Caroline Colarusso advanced from the Republican primary for Massachusetts House of Representatives 31st Middlesex District on September 4, 2018.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Caroline Colarusso	100.0	2,161

---

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 2,161
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

2016

See also: Massachusetts House of Representatives elections, 2016

Elections for the Massachusetts House of Representatives took place in 2016. The primary election took place on September 8, 2016, and the general election was held on November 8, 2016. The candidate filing deadline was June 7, 2016.

Incumbent Michael Day defeated Caroline Colarusso in the Massachusetts House of Representatives Thirty-first Middlesex District general election.

Massachusetts House of Representatives, Thirty-first Middlesex District General Election, 2016
Party		Candidate	Vote %	Votes
	Democratic	Michael Day Incumbent	58.84%	14,528
	Republican	Caroline Colarusso	41.16%	10,163
Total Votes				24,691
Source: Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth

Incumbent Michael Day ran unopposed in the Massachusetts House of Representatives Thirty-first Middlesex District Democratic Primary.

Massachusetts House of Representatives, Thirty-first Middlesex District Democratic Primary, 2016
Party		Candidate
	Democratic	Michael Day Incumbent (unopposed)

Caroline Colarusso ran unopposed in the Massachusetts House of Representatives Thirty-first Middlesex District Republican Primary.

Massachusetts House of Representatives, Thirty-first Middlesex District Republican Primary, 2016
Party		Candidate
	Republican	Caroline Colarusso  (unopposed)

2014

See also: Massachusetts House of Representatives elections, 2014

Elections for the Massachusetts House of Representatives took place in 2014. A primary election was held on September 9, 2014, and a general election was held on November 4, 2014. The signature filing deadline for candidates wishing to run in this election was June 3, 2014. Michael Day defeated Michael Bettencourt in the Democratic primary. Caroline Colarusso was unopposed in the Republican primary. Day defeated Colarusso in the general election.

Massachusetts House of Representatives, Thirty-first Middlesex District General Election, 2014

Party		Candidate	Vote %	Votes
	Democratic	Michael Day	51.4%	9,270
	Republican	Caroline Colarusso	48.6%	8,759
Total Votes				18,029

Massachusetts House of Representatives, Thirty-first Middlesex District Democratic Primary, 2014

Candidate	Vote %	Votes
Michael Day	56.9%	2,941
Michael Bettencourt	43.1%	2,226
Total Votes		5,167

Campaign themes

2022

Ballotpedia survey responses

See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection

Caroline Colarusso did not complete Ballotpedia's 2022 Candidate Connection survey.

Campaign website

Colarusso's campaign website stated the following:

“	Term Limits Ensure tax and spend lifetime politicians can’t do any more damage to our republic. Day one PROMISE to my constituents, that I will propose that Representatives in the House serve no more than 3 consecutive 2-year terms. Senators will not serve more than 2 consecutive 6-year terms. Elected Officials must provide financial disclosure before and after serving public office and must account for any financial gains during that period. Fair Elections & Accountability One vote per legal US Citizen. Resolve confusion on Voter ID laws and provide States assistance in the enforcement of voter programs. Any public official or group that denies or violates voter rights will be subject to prosecution under new Federal laws. The Economy Regulate commerce to conform to our nation’s values and not the ideologies of political parties. Promote American industry by giving states assistance in creating jobs programs for all workers of various skills and income levels. The federal deficit must not place unreasonable burdens on future generations. Tax policies should raise only the minimum revenue necessary to fund functions of government. Protecting Our Constitution Regulations and laws must not breach constitutional principles of limited government and the separation of powers, including protection of individual amendments to our Constitution. The federal powers are limited to those named in the Constitution and should be exercised to protect the rights of its citizens. In the past 2 years, we have seen abuses of power by executive action that have been overturned by the Courts. This must stop! National Security Ensure that we are the strongest and most mobile force in the world. Our troops and their families are at the center of all we do, with respect to current and former members of our military. Those who make it back home... and the ones that gave the ultimate sacrifice. Protect our nation's borders and keep our agents safe from dangerous drugs, gangs/cartels, and terrorists that want to decay our way of life and destroy our foundations. America must be a welcoming nation – one that promotes patriotic assimilation as we have in generations past. We are governed by laws that are fair, humane, and enforced to protect all citizens. American Values Help states navigate challenging issues such as Mental Health, Addiction, Adoption, single parent, and family programs Giving the Department of Education the power to institute teaching programs for American history and civics programs for early childhood and middle schools Promote regulations that provide unity and education for all. Hold school boards and states accountable for indoctrination of programs that divide their students through discriminatory practices that teach against the parents' will. Encouraging Religious and non-religious non-profit programs to seek funding for programs that promote American virtue and strengthen our way of life.	”
—Caroline Colarusso's campaign website (2022)

2020

Video for Ballotpedia

Video submitted to Ballotpedia Released June 29, 2020

Caroline Colarusso completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2020. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Colarusso's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

Expand all | Collapse all

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am the Republican nominee running for US Congress in the 5th District of Massachusetts. During my professional career I enjoyed working as a USPS Postmaster. I rose up through the ranks to the level of senior management during my 27 year career in the United States Postal Service. I distinguished myself f by becoming a fix it role specialist after overseeing many large and badly broken operations in the Greater Boston area. I have been married to my wonderful husband Joseph for the last 30 years and we have three adult boys, Anthony a CPA and a youth pastor, Joey who works in Healthcare IT, and Ricky who is an electrician. I was the first female in my family to graduate from college. I graduated Magna Cum Laude from Emmanuel College right here in Boston.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

• We are a nation of free individuals equal under the law
• We expect and impartial government
• Our economy should exclude no one

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

School choice is an additional platform I have adopted.
I believe that taxpayer money should follow the child. Parents should be the determining factor in what school their children attend not the government. Remove the stranglehold moneyed special interest groups have over the educational opportunities of children in America. As a member of Congress, I will support school choice legislation

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

Abraham Lincoln is someone I deeply admire for his moral opposition to slavery. Standing up for such an human injustice while facing fierce opposition is a characteristic I truly admire.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Integrity and a strong work ethic.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

Integrity and being humble while staying committed and passionate about what's important to the people of the district. I believe one must also have a strong work ethic, be enthusiastic, be proactive and creative and pragmatic in solving problems. These qualities are necessary to lead however a leader must also communicate effectively in a way that inspires and brings people together.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

Representing the District independently and being accessible to the common people.

What legacy would you like to leave?

A legacy of integrity and honest accomplishments.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

My first really memorable historical event was in 1976 the Bicentennial Year when America celebrated 200 years of Independence. Growing up on the freedom trail there were many other experiences that highlighted my childhood years in historical Boston, however the Bicentennial Year is one I will never forget.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

My very first job was selling slices of pizza at Boston's famous "Regina Pizza". I worked at Quincy Market shortly after it opened. Minimum wage was 2.90 an hour. I walked back and forth to work from my family home in Boston's North End. I worked there for years depending on classes and was able to learn the value of money as a student.

What is your favorite book? Why?

Heaven by Randy Alcorn because my mom recently passed away and she is there.

If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

Underdog

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

Neil Diamond Cherry Cherry

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

I have struggled delegating to others and instead performing the work myself.

What process do you favor for redistricting?

I do not favor the current process that allows legislators to creatively establish an unfair political advantage for the party in control.

What qualities does the U.S. House of Representatives possess that makes it unique as an institution?

Congress is an equal body with the Senate. It is a body directly elected by the people.

Do you believe that it's beneficial for representatives to have previous experience in government or politics?

No prior political experience should not be a prerequisite for running for Congress.

What do you perceive to be the United States’ greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade?

Racial Harmony and School choice. More must be done to combat human trafficking from Congress. Ensuring we maintain a private health care system and addressing the national debt.

If you are not a current representative, are there certain committees that you would want to be a part of?

House Committee on Oversight and Reform.

If you are a current representative, why did you join your current committees?

n/a

Do you believe that two years is the right term length for representatives?

yes

If you are not currently a member of your party’s leadership in the U.S. House of Representatives, would you be interested in joining the leadership? If so, in what role?

n/a

Is there a particular representative, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?

No

Both sitting representatives and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?

n/a

Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.

2016

Colarusso's campaign website highlighted the following issues:

“

Put people ahead of politics. Caroline will: Hold weekly office hours Institute an open door policy. Send out a newsletter Hold forums for seniors Lower our tax burden. Caroline will: Reduce the sales tax back to 5 percent to make local businesses more competitive with online businesses Vote against all attempts to link taxes to inflation Vote against the new tax on paint Keep the promise to lower the income tax back to 5% Keep in place Prop 2 ½ so your property taxes don’t increase Revive our economy. Caroline will: Support small businesses that create 3 out of every 4 new jobs in Massachusetts. She will work to pass the Small Business Bill of Rights that Reduces the corporate filing fees for new businesses Make state agencies that work with business more business friendly Reduces needless regulations

”

See also

2022 Elections

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Candidate

U.S. House Massachusetts District 5

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Footnotes

[show]

Massachusetts' current delegation to the United States Congress

Senators

Edward Markey (D)

Elizabeth Warren (D)

Representatives

District 1

Richard Neal (D)

District 2

Jim McGovern (D)

District 3

Lori Trahan (D)

District 4

Jake Auchincloss (D)

District 5

Katherine Clark (D)

District 6

Seth Moulton (D)

District 7

Ayanna Pressley (D)

District 8

Stephen Lynch (D)

District 9

Bill Keating (D)

Democratic Party (11)