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Paul DePalo
2021 - Present
2027
4
Paul DePalo (Democratic Party) is a member of the Massachusetts Governor's Council, representing District 7. He assumed office on January 7, 2021. His current term ends on January 7, 2027.
DePalo (Democratic Party) ran for re-election to the Massachusetts Governor's Council to represent District 7. He won in the general election on November 5, 2024.
DePalo completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. Click here to read the survey answers.
Biography
Paul DePalo was born in Worcester, Massachusetts. DePalo earned a bachelor's degree from Wesleyan University, Middletown in 2001, a J.D. from Northeastern University School of Law in 2005, and an M.Ed. from Fitchburg State University in 2016. His career experience includes working as an attorney in Massachusetts state and federal courts, as a public school teacher, and in alternative special education programming for at-risk kids.[1][2]
Elections
2024
See also: Massachusetts Governor's Council election, 2024
General election
General election for Massachusetts Governor's Council District 7
Incumbent Paul DePalo defeated Andrew Couture in the general election for Massachusetts Governor's Council District 7 on November 5, 2024.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ |  | Paul DePalo (D)  | 57.3 | 228,944 |
 | Andrew Couture (R) | 42.5 | 169,936 | |
| Other/Write-in votes | 0.1 | 565 | ||
| Total votes: 399,445 | |||
| = 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 Governor's Council District 7
Incumbent Paul DePalo advanced from the Democratic primary for Massachusetts Governor's Council District 7 on September 3, 2024.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Paul DePalo | 99.6 | 49,094 |
| Other/Write-in votes | 0.4 | 191 | ||
| Total votes: 49,285 | |||
| = 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 Governor's Council District 7
Andrew Couture advanced from the Republican primary for Massachusetts Governor's Council District 7 on September 3, 2024.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Andrew Couture | 99.3 | 24,763 |
| Other/Write-in votes | 0.7 | 169 | ||
| Total votes: 24,932 | |||
| = 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 DePalo in this election.
2022
See also: Massachusetts Governor's Council election, 2022
General election
General election for Massachusetts Governor's Council District 7
Incumbent Paul DePalo defeated Gary Galonek in the general election for Massachusetts Governor's Council District 7 on November 8, 2022.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Paul DePalo (D) | 57.0 | 163,456 |
 | Gary Galonek (R) | 42.9 | 123,084 | |
| Other/Write-in votes | 0.1 | 157 | ||
| Total votes: 286,697 | |||
| = 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 Governor's Council District 7
Incumbent Paul DePalo advanced from the Democratic primary for Massachusetts Governor's Council District 7 on September 6, 2022.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Paul DePalo | 99.6 | 57,661 |
| Other/Write-in votes | 0.4 | 224 | ||
| Total votes: 57,885 | |||
| = 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 Governor's Council District 7
Gary Galonek advanced from the Republican primary for Massachusetts Governor's Council District 7 on September 6, 2022.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Gary Galonek | 99.6 | 30,303 |
| Other/Write-in votes | 0.4 | 127 | ||
| Total votes: 30,430 | |||
| = 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. | ||||
2020
See also: Massachusetts Governor's Council election, 2020
General election
General election for Massachusetts Governor's Council District 7
Paul DePalo defeated Peter Stefan in the general election for Massachusetts Governor's Council District 7 on November 3, 2020.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Paul DePalo (D) | 97.4 | 312,156 |
| Peter Stefan (Independent) (Write-in) | 0.3 | 951 | ||
| Other/Write-in votes | 2.3 | 7,252 | ||
| Total votes: 320,359 | |||
| = 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 Governor's Council District 7
Paul DePalo defeated Padraic Rafferty in the Democratic primary for Massachusetts Governor's Council District 7 on September 1, 2020.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Paul DePalo | 62.3 | 73,556 |
 | Padraic Rafferty | 37.4 | 44,208 | |
| Other/Write-in votes | 0.2 | 287 | ||
| Total votes: 118,051 | |||
| = 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
To view DePalo's endorsements in the 2020 election, please click here.
2018
General election
General election for Massachusetts Governor's Council District 7
Incumbent Jennie Caissie defeated Paul DePalo in the general election for Massachusetts Governor's Council District 7 on November 6, 2018.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | Jennie Caissie (R) | 49.6 | 161,744 | |
| Paul DePalo (D) | 44.9 | 146,422 | |
| Other/Write-in votes | 5.5 | 18,075 | ||
| Total votes: 326,241 | |||
| = 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 Governor's Council District 7
Paul DePalo advanced from the Democratic primary for Massachusetts Governor's Council District 7 on September 4, 2018.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Paul DePalo | 100.0 | 39,076 |
| Total votes: 39,076 | |||
| = 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 Governor's Council District 7
Incumbent Jennie Caissie advanced from the Republican primary for Massachusetts Governor's Council District 7 on September 4, 2018.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | Jennie Caissie | 100.0 | 30,138 | |
| Total votes: 30,138 | |||
| = 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
Paul DePalo completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by DePalo's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
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I was elected to represent the 61 cities and towns of District 7 (most of Worcester County and stretching into Nashoba Valley) on the Governor's Council in 2020 and re-elected in 2022. The Council approves or rejects potential state judges, parole board members, and other judicial roles. It also must approve any pardons or commutations issued by the Governor.
As an educator, I developed and taught in alternative public-school programming for adolescents coping with trauma and social-emotional disabilities.
As an attorney, I have been recognized for my pro bono work in education law. I have also served on the Worcester Planning Board.
My results align with the priorities I've articulated since first running for office:
- First time with full bench of juvenile court judges in Worcester County
- Adding a social worker to the Parole Board
- Ending the Council's "rubber stamp"
- Diversifying the juvenile court bench
- Pardon of past cannabis possession convictions
- Helped defeat politically motivated pardon
- First Central MA resident on Parole Board in decades
- Address youth trauma in our justice system. Get kids on paths of opportunity, not incarceration.
- Mental health and addiction treatment are part of public safety. We need mental health experts throughout the system- it's the only way to reduce the revolving door of recidivism.
- In Massachusetts courts, we need to continue to protect abortion, bodily autonomy, and LGBTQ rights... regardless of what happens nationally.
The kids interacting with our court system are disproportionately dealing with complex trauma and abuse, and often bouncing around our foster system. As an attorney and former special education teacher who's worked with kids caught up in the courts, I know how much a child's experiences in our systems can impact the trajectory of their lives. I'm recruiting and advocating for judges who get it.
"Parole" is supervised, conditional release from jail. Individuals eligible for parole petition to the Parole Board. The Board, after deliberation, decides whether or not to release the individual. If the Board votes to release, it also crafts conditions of release. Conditions might include treatment programs, job training, and of course avoiding further criminal activity. Someone who violates their conditions may be returned to incarceration.
The parole process (monitoring and supporting individuals returning to our communities from incarceration) is our best chance to get someone on the right path. Addiction is at the root of so much of our incarcerated population's problems. Having a Parole Board that understands addiction treatment-- what works and what doesn't, what local programs are good matches for parolees-- enhances public safety, reduces recidivism, and saves lives.
I've successfully worked to have a social worker appointed to the Board; social workers are intimately familar with evidence-based rehabilitation programs in their communities.
I also succeeded in having the first Central MA Parole Board member in decades appointed. He happens to be Latino and the only Spanish-speaker on the Board, an important advancement in representation in the justice system.
MA & Northenr New England Laborers' District Council
Carpenters Local 336
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
Paul DePalo completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2022. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by DePalo's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
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As an attorney, I've practiced in state and federal court, been recognized for my pro bono work in education law, and managed a solo practice. Presently, he is affiliated with a law firm that represented workers in employment matters. I've also served on the Worcester Planning Board. I'm finishing my first term represented the 65 cities and towns of Central Massachusetts on the Governor's Council. Wesleyan University, BA Northeastern University School of Law, JD
Fitchburg State University, MEd- Address youth trauma in our justice system. Get kids on paths of opportunity, not incarceration.
- Mental health and addiction treatment are part of public safety. We need experts throughout the system.
- Defend choice and human rights. Protect bodily autonomy and lgbtq rights.
Kids who interact with juvenile court are disproportionately kids dealing with abuse and trauma; kids bouncing around our overburdened, under resourced foster system; Black and Latino boys; and increasingly LGBTQ youth. Once under the watch of the court, consequences for typical teenage behavior escalate and escalate until these kids are destined for an adulthood riddled with incarceration. If we catch kids early, with evidence-based sentencing and diversion in our courts, we can instead put them on paths of opportunity.
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.
2020
Video for Ballotpedia
| Video submitted to Ballotpedia Released May 22, 2020 |
Paul DePalo completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2020. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by DePalo's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
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Paul's an attorney, former special education teacher, father of two daughters, and member of the the Worcester Planning Board..
As an educator, Paul taught in a variety of settings, including alternative programming for kids with social and emotional disabilities. He was also a Principal Resident in Boston Public Schools. As an attorney, Paul's represented international corporations in state and federal courts at a Boston firm and been recognized for his pro bono work in education law.
Paul was the 2018 Democratic nominee for Governor's Council in District 7 (Central MA), earning 48% (146,422 votes) against a 4-term Republican incumbent. [...]
Paul's an attorney, former special education teacher, father of two daughters, and member of the the Worcester Planning Board.
As an educator, Paul taught in a variety of settings, including alternative programming for kids with social and emotional disabilities. He was also a Principal Resident in Boston Public Schools. As an attorney, Paul's represented international corporations in state and federal courts at a Boston firm and been recognized for his pro bono work in education law.
- End the trauma-to-prison pipeline. Get kids on paths of opportunity, not incarceration.
- Address mental health and addiction. Proven diversion programs reduce crime and save money and lives.
- Attack systemic racism. Seize this moment to attack systemic racism and finally appoint more Black and Latino judges.
Public safety includes tackling mental health and addiction: evidence-based diversion and rehabilitation saves lives, saves money, and reduces recidivism. Mental health and addiction have been impacting our communities and justice system for decades. Yet, we've been removing mental health experts from the Parole Board- my vote on the Council will reverse that trend.
The Council should be a check on the Governor, with power to shape the judiciary. Too often though, it's patronage and rubber stamps. And because it's low profile and receives little media attention, it's possible for a wealthy attorney with no platform- but a craving for influence- to "buy" the seat.
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.
2018
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Paul DePalo completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by DePalo's responses.
What would be your top three priorities, if elected?
(1) Catch kids before they get caught up in cycles of incarceration, (2) Treat addiction like a mental health issue, not a criminal one, (3) Restore faith in government by eliminating conflicts of interest in our courts
What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?
As an attorney and former special education teacher who's worked with kids caught up in our courts, I am especially concerned with how justice is dispensed in our juvenile courts. Children who've experience significant trauma are disproportionately ensnared in our court system, and far more likely to be incarcerated as adults, when taxpayers spend $60,000 per year to keep them locked up. It's an economic failure and a moral failure. We can do better.
Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?
I'm campaigning in a district that includes 65 cities and towns, and I am consistently impressed with the hundreds of local activists I've met: ordinary folks who make huge differences in their communities. Making the world a better place truly starts at home.
Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?
MassINC's comprehensive study of Criminal Justice Reform is Massachusetts spotlights the issues that concern me in our courts: https://massinc.org/our-work/policy-center/criminal-justice-reform
What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?
Civility is crucial right now. I am running for Governor's Council, a body whose reputation is one of disfunction and lack of civility. I will be a moderating voice-- a consensus builder-- on the Council.
What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?
Having worked in both education and law, I have a perspective informed by broad experience-- from urban to rural, from wealthy to impoverished, from young to old. I believe that this has equipped me to see micro-issues from a macro-perspective, and to find compassionate, pragmatic solutions to difficult problems.
What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?
Governor's Council's primary responsibility is to approve or reject the Governor's judicial nominees. I believe we need common sense, compassion, civility, and hard work on the Council. I have pledged to perform due diligence by meeting with EVERY potential judge outside of the formal hearings, and to restore faith in our courts by refusing to practice law in front of judges who've I've voted to elevate to the bench.
What legacy would you like to leave?
Governor's Council is an important bit little-known office. I've been told that Central Massachusetts has never seen such a robust, engaged campaign for this office. I hope that this campaign results not only in my victory, but in increased public awareness of the office and the important role it plays in approving or rejecting potential state court judges.
What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?
I distinctly remember the disgrace of the Clarence Thomas hearings, specifically Anita Hill's testimony. It's wonderful to see that, via #metoo and vocal activists, we've made progress. However, it is also alarming that we continue to publicly undermine, doubt, belittle, and threaten victims of sexual assault who choose to come forward. There's still work to do.
Are there any little-known powers or responsibilities held by this office that you believe more people should be aware of?
Governor's Council approves appointments not only for judges, but also for members of the Industrial Accident Board ("IAB"). The IAB oversees the state's Workers Compensation system, and I believe we need a balance between management and workers on the IAB- that's why I've earned the support of working people, including the New England Regional Council of Carpenters, the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 96, and others.
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.
Ballotpedia biographical submission form
The candidate completed Ballotpedia's biographical information submission form:
| “ | What is your political philosophy?
I believe that we can achieve crime prevention via common sense and compassion: catch kids before the get caught in cycles of incarceration, and treat addiction like a mental health issue, not a criminal one. Is there anything you would like to add? Governor's Council's primary role is to approve or reject potential state court judges. I'm running because judges matter on issues that matter to all of us: women's rights and access to reproductive health, compassion in our juvenile courts, workers' rights, LGBTQ rights, public safety, and many more.[3] |
” |
| —Paul DePalo[1] | ||
Campaign finance summary
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See also
| Massachusetts | State Executive Elections | News and Analysis |
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External links
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Candidate Massachusetts Governor's Council District 7 |
Officeholder Massachusetts Governor's Council District 7 |
Personal |
Footnotes
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Information submitted on Ballotpedia’s biographical information submission form on September 18, 2018
- ↑ Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on August 8, 2024
- ↑ Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.
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Massachusetts Governor's Council District 7 2021-Present |
Succeeded by - |
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State of Massachusetts Boston (capital) |
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