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Francisco Paulino

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Francisco Paulino
Image of Francisco Paulino
Massachusetts House of Representatives 16th Essex District
Tenure

2023 - Present

Term ends

2027

Years in position

2

Predecessor

Compensation

Base salary

$82,044.31/year

Per diem

$No per diem is paid.

Elections and appointments
Last elected

November 5, 2024

Education

High school

Colegio Fausto Jimenez

Bachelor's

Mount Washington College, 2012

Graduate

Suffolk University Law School, 2016

Law

Suffolk University Law School, 2016

Other

Suffolk University Law School

Personal
Profession
CEO
Contact

Francisco Paulino (Democratic Party) is a member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives, representing the 16th Essex District. He assumed office on January 4, 2023. His current term ends on January 6, 2027.

Paulino (Democratic Party) ran for re-election to the Massachusetts House of Representatives to represent the 16th Essex District. He won in the general election on November 5, 2024.

Paulino completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. Click here to read the survey answers.

Biography

Francisco Paulino earned a bachelor's degree in criminal justice from Mount Washington College in 2012 and a master's degree and juris doctor from Suffolk University in 2016.[1][2] Paulino's career experience includes working as a senior tax associate with Madison Tax, a senior mortgage consultant with Insight Mortgage Corp., and an economic development and contract advisor with the City Of Lawrence, Massachusetts. He has served on the Greater Lawrence Summer Fund Board of the Essex County Community Foundation.[2]

The following table lists bills this person sponsored as a legislator, according to BillTrack50 and sorted by action history. Bills are sorted by the date of their last action. The following list may not be comprehensive. To see all bills this legislator sponsored, click on the legislator's name in the title of the table.


Committee assignments

2025-2026

Paulino was assigned to the following committees:

2023-2024

Paulino was assigned to the following committees:


Elections

2024

See also: Massachusetts House of Representatives elections, 2024

General election

General election for Massachusetts House of Representatives 16th Essex District

Incumbent Francisco Paulino won election in the general election for Massachusetts House of Representatives 16th Essex District on November 5, 2024.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of Francisco Paulino
Francisco Paulino (D) Candidate Connection
 
95.4
 
10,187
 Other/Write-in votes
 
4.6
 
493

Total votes: 10,680
Candidate Connection = 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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Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for Massachusetts House of Representatives 16th Essex District

Incumbent Francisco Paulino defeated Marcos Devers in the Democratic primary for Massachusetts House of Representatives 16th Essex District on September 3, 2024.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of Francisco Paulino
Francisco Paulino Candidate Connection
 
58.9
 
1,581
Image of Marcos Devers
Marcos Devers
 
40.3
 
1,082
 Other/Write-in votes
 
0.7
 
20

Total votes: 2,683
Candidate Connection = 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.

Endorsements

Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Paulino in this election.

2022

See also: Massachusetts House of Representatives elections, 2022

General election

General election for Massachusetts House of Representatives 16th Essex District

Francisco Paulino won election in the general election for Massachusetts House of Representatives 16th Essex District on November 8, 2022.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of Francisco Paulino
Francisco Paulino (D) Candidate Connection
 
96.0
 
5,363
 Other/Write-in votes
 
4.0
 
224

Total votes: 5,587
Candidate Connection = 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 16th Essex District

Francisco Paulino defeated incumbent Marcos Devers in the Democratic primary for Massachusetts House of Representatives 16th Essex District on September 6, 2022.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of Francisco Paulino
Francisco Paulino Candidate Connection
 
52.6
 
1,511
Image of Marcos Devers
Marcos Devers
 
47.0
 
1,350
 Other/Write-in votes
 
0.5
 
14

Total votes: 2,875
Candidate Connection = 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.

Campaign themes

2024

Ballotpedia survey responses

See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection

Candidate Connection

Francisco Paulino completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Paulino's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

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Francisco Paulino is a dedicated advocate, educator, and community leader who hails from the humble barrios of Santiago, Dominican Republic. He was born to a resilient and selfless family, he was nurtured to excel in hard work, compassion, and community service. Upon completing his high school at age 16, he embarked on a medical study journey, only to be redirected to the United States to financially support his family due to his father's ill health.

Francisco discovered a second home in Lawrence, Massachusetts, where he devoted himself to aiding at-risk youth. First, as a Therapist at Lahey Clinic and later as a Crisis Aid for Lawrence Public Schools. His desire to effect change at an earlier stage led him back to education, graduating Suma Cum Laude from Mount Washington College in Criminal Justice. In 2013, he began his law studies at Suffolk University Law School, focusing on housing discrimination and assisting refugees in immigration court. His dedication and perseverance earned him a Juris Doctor and Tax LLM in 2016. Rejecting a profitable Boston law firm offer, he chose to serve his community, helping families attain homeownership, advocating for cultural competency in schools, and aiding local businesses.

On January 4, 2023, his journey took a new turn as he was sworn in as the State Representative for the 16th Essex District, covering Lawrence and Methuen. Francisco's journey serves as a testament to the power of resilience, hard work, and faith.
  • Innovating for Economic Growth We will continue to innovate to make our district the go-to place for new business investment in Massachusetts. By investing in our trade schools, we are preparing a workforce ready to meet today's skill labor demands. This, in turn, will attract new industries and create high-paying jobs, enabling our community to thrive and remain a beacon of opportunity for generations to come.
  • Preparing Students for Tomorrow’s Economy By adding financial literacy to our school curriculum, we are preparing our students to make wise decisions in their personal lives and minimize preventable obstacles when they enter the job market or pursue higher education
  • Creating Safer Neighborhoods We will continue to prioritize the safety and security of Lawrence and Methuen. Through strategic initiatives and collaboration, we will build a brighter future where everyone can thrive and feel protected. Together, let's make this vision a reality.
Education, Public Safety, and Economic Growth
On the day of my graduation from law school, Judge Borenstein gave me a book titled Abraham Lincoln: The Self-Made Man. Judge Borenstein, whom we affectionately called Judge B in the classroom, saw qualities in me in 2016 that I couldn't perceive in myself at the time. He didn't explain why he gave me that particular book, but when a judge gives you a book, there's always a good reason, and they often won't tell you what it is—you have to discover it for yourself.

I am incredibly grateful for that gift and what it has come to mean to me as a legislator. The book offers profound insights into Lincoln's character, determination, and leadership—qualities I strive to embody in my own public service. I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to understand my political philosophy and the values that guide me in my work.
For an elected official, loyalty to your values, understanding that your community needs to win, resiliency, and a willingness to give it all are essential. Staying true to my core values guides my decisions, ensuring they align with my principles. Recognizing that my primary responsibility is to benefit my community drives me to prioritize their well-being. Resiliency helps me navigate challenges and setbacks, while an unwavering dedication to public service means I'm committed to tirelessly working for the betterment of my community.
I believe the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office include advocating for the needs and interests of constituents, crafting and supporting legislation that benefits the community, ensuring transparency and accountability in government actions, and fostering strong relationships with other legislators and stakeholders. It's also crucial to remain accessible and responsive to the community, addressing their concerns and working tirelessly to improve their quality of life. Lastly, upholding ethical standards and acting with integrity in all decisions is fundamental to maintaining the trust and confidence of those we serve.
My very first job was as a dispatcher at a taxi company in the Dominican Republic. I started when I was 16, working alongside my father, who was one of the drivers.
I would want to be El Chapulín Colorado. He’s the only superhero who isn’t afraid to acknowledge his fears. Despite his apprehensions, he overcomes them to help others, demonstrating courage and selflessness. His character embodies humility and bravery.
Despacito (Luis Fonsi & Daddy Yankee)
The ideal relationship between the governor and the state legislature should be built on mutual respect, collaboration, and open dialogue. Both parties have distinct roles, but their ultimate goal is to serve the best interests of the citizens. By working together, regularly communicating, and being willing to compromise, we can address the state's challenges effectively. It's important to maintain a system of checks and balances, with the legislature providing oversight and the governor having veto power when necessary. A shared vision and common goals will ensure that our government functions efficiently and truly serves the needs of our community
Over the next decade, I believe our state's greatest challenges will be preparing our youth for the jobs of the future, addressing housing issues, and improving healthcare. We need to invest in education and innovation today to ensure our young people are ready for tomorrow's workforce. Housing remains a significant challenge, and we must work diligently to provide affordable and accessible options for all residents. Healthcare is another critical area that requires our attention to ensure everyone has access to quality care. By focusing on these areas, we can build a stronger and more resilient commonwealth for the future.
I don't believe that previous experience in government or politics is necessarily beneficial for state legislators. Sometimes, it's more advantageous to come in with a fresh perspective and an open mind.

Open minded newcomers can bring innovative ideas and approaches that aren't influenced by the established political landscape. They can offer solutions that career politicians might overlook. An open mind allows for unbiased decision-making, fostering creativity and encouraging diverse viewpoints.

Ultimately, what matters most is a legislator's dedication to public service, their willingness to listen to their constituents, and their commitment to making informed and ethical decisions for the betterment of the community.
Yes, I believe it’s beneficial to build relationships with other legislators. Policy making is a team effort. While I have to perform individually, any great idea needs the support of the majority to become law.

Building strong relationships with other legislators fosters collaboration and mutual understanding. It allows for the exchange of diverse ideas and perspectives, leading to more comprehensive and effective policies. Furthermore, these relationships help in negotiating and finding common ground, which is essential for passing legislation.

In essence, forming these connections not only enhances the legislative process but also strengthens the ability to advocate effectively for the needs and interests of our constituents.
I greatly admire Colin Powell and aspire to model myself after his leadership and dedication to public service. His commitment to integrity, excellence, and tireless work for the betterment of the community is truly inspiring. Powell's ability to navigate complex issues with a steady hand and a principled approach serves as a guiding example for my own work as a legislator. His legacy of leadership, service, and commitment to the greater good is one I strive to emulate in my role.
Yes, there are stories from fellow legislators that have deeply impacted me, particularly those of State Representative Rita Mendes and Representative Manny Cruz. Hearing their journeys, as fellow immigrants who have overcome significant challenges to serve their communities, has been incredibly inspiring. Their stories underscore the importance of perseverance and the powerful impact that committed public servants can have on their communities.
The first bill I introduced was "An Act Relative to Employee Wage Payment." This legislation ensures that employees receive their wages promptly and fairly. It provides multiple methods for wage payment, such as direct deposit, electronic fund transfer, payroll cards, and traditional checks, all at no cost to the employee. This bill underscores my commitment to protecting workers' rights and ensuring that they are treated with the respect and fairness they deserve.
MNA, Firefighter State Union, Firefighter Local Union, DFER,
Revenue, Public Safety and Homeland Security, Health Care Finance, and Education.

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.

2022

Candidate Connection

Francisco Paulino completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2022. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Paulino's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

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Hi my name is Francisco Paulino,

I immigrated to United State the 15th of May, 2000. 2012 Graduated with BA In Science of Criminal Justice from Mount Washington College 2016 Graduated With a Juris Doctor/Tax LLM from Suffolk University Law School

  • I will advocate for Free Early Childhood Education for all
  • I will propose a Mental Health Reform
  • Equal Pay or Women
Free Early Childhood Education For All

Upgrade K12 Curriculum
Equal Pay for Women
State investment on affordable housing

Fiscal overview of municipal spending

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.

Campaign finance summary


Note: The finance data shown here comes from the disclosures required of candidates and parties. Depending on the election or state, this may represent only a portion of all the funds spent on their behalf. Satellite spending groups may or may not have expended funds related to the candidate or politician on whose page you are reading this disclaimer. Campaign finance data from elections may be incomplete. For elections to federal offices, complete data can be found at the FEC website. Click here for more on federal campaign finance law and here for more on state campaign finance law.


Francisco Paulino campaign contribution history
YearOfficeStatusContributionsExpenditures
2024* Massachusetts House of Representatives 16th Essex DistrictWon general$58,366 $0
2022Massachusetts House of Representatives 16th Essex DistrictWon general$119,062 $0
Grand total$177,428 $0
Sources: OpenSecretsFederal Elections Commission ***This product uses the openFEC API but is not endorsed or certified by the Federal Election Commission (FEC).
* Data from this year may not be complete

Scorecards

See also: State legislative scorecards and State legislative scorecards in Massachusetts

A scorecard evaluates a legislator’s voting record. Its purpose is to inform voters about the legislator’s political positions. Because scorecards have varying purposes and methodologies, each report should be considered on its own merits. For example, an advocacy group’s scorecard may assess a legislator’s voting record on one issue while a state newspaper’s scorecard may evaluate the voting record in its entirety.

Ballotpedia is in the process of developing an encyclopedic list of published scorecards. Some states have a limited number of available scorecards or scorecards produced only by select groups. It is Ballotpedia’s goal to incorporate all available scorecards regardless of ideology or number.

Click here for an overview of legislative scorecards in all 50 states. To contribute to the list of Massachusetts scorecards, email suggestions to editor@ballotpedia.org.


2024


2023










See also


External links

Footnotes

  1. Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on June 12, 2022
  2. 2.0 2.1 LinkedIn, "Francisco Paulino, JD/LLM," accessed April 14, 2023

Political offices
Preceded by
Marcos Devers (D)
Massachusetts House of Representatives 16th Essex District
2023-Present
Succeeded by
-


Leadership
Speaker of the House:Ronald Mariano
Majority Leader:Michael Moran
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