Spill of the Hill: A louder Left in the Mass. Senate
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Deehan here with Spill of the Hill, my column unraveling Massachusetts politics.
Assuming Democrats hold their seats in November, the Senate that convenes for the 195th General Court will have a different tone as it deals with thorny legislative issues like taxes and implementing ballot measures.
Why it matters: Senate President Karen Spilka is losing a few of her most reliable allies just as a more assertive progressive bloc gains numbers.
- That combination could reshape how bills move (or stall) on Beacon Hill.
Threat level: Spilka will have a shorter list of trusted lieutenants to manage caucus discipline.
- Sen. Pat Jehlen, a longtime progressive voice within the caucus, is retiring.
- Majority Whip Mike Rush, a top vote-counter, lost his primary.
Meanwhile, Senate President Pro Tempore Will Brownsberger — potentially the most influential departure of the three — is up by just 34 votes ahead of a recount.
State of play: Two of the closest-watched primaries doubled as a proxy fight between Boston Mayor Michelle Wu and Senate leadership over how to handle a double-digit residential property tax increase.
- Wu wanted legislative permission to put more of the burden on commercial property owners. Sens. Nick Collins and Brownsberger favored targeted tax credits instead.
- Wu backed primary challengers to both senators. Collins won comfortably.
- The recount for Brownsberger's race starts tomorrow.
Between the lines: Wu's tax priorities enter 2027 with very little goodwill left among Senate leadership.
The big picture: The chamber, already seen as the more liberal on Beacon Hill, could also be drifting left.
- Rush lost his seat to Persis Yu as demographic shifts and organizing in Boston-area precincts activate progressives against the moderate old guard.
- Rep. Erika Uyterhoeven's win in the open Cambridge, Somerville and Medford district over more establishment rivals could boost the prospects of progressive goals like rent stabilization and Medicare for All.
- She'll also become the highest-ranking Democratic Socialist in state government.
What's next: New members are expected to push not just on policy but on process.
- If they stick to their campaign rhetoric, they'll challenge how much power sits with committee chairs and Senate leadership versus the rank and file.
- Spilka will need to manage a caucus with a thinner bench of experienced deputies and what could become a more vocal insurgent wing.