About Mike

A man in a white Navy uniform with medals on his chest is kneeling on a wooden platform, smiling, as he shakes hands with a young woman in a denim jacket and black pants. Another young man in a blue jacket is-standing nearby, watching the handshake. The background shows a harbor with boats and a cityscape with tall buildings and a clock tower.

Mike Rush has dedicated his career to public service – through his service in the United States Navy, as a former teacher, and now a State Senator for the Norfolk & Suffolk District. Mike currently represents Hyde Park, West Roxbury, Jamaica Plain, Roslindale in Boston and the towns of Dedham, Norwood, Walpole and Westwood in Norfolk County, where he has delivered record resources forcommunity-based organizations, charities, and non-profits.

A smiling man in military camouflage uniform, wearing sunglasses and carrying a rifle, stands next to a sign that reads 'No Hat, No Salute Area.' The sign is mounted on a concrete wall with various military insignias and symbols.

Mike is an Iraq War Veteran and a Commander in the United States Navy. Commander Rush is currently assigned to COMSUBLANT. He was formerly assigned to the Office of Naval Intelligence, NATO and the Joint Central Command. Prior to serving as a commissioned officer, he worked on peacetime construction projects as an enlisted sailor with Naval MobileConstruction Battalion 27 (Seabees). Mike is known as being one of the most outspoken champions of Veterans and military families in elected office. His advocacy has made Massachusetts THE national leader Veteran support, and Mike’s advocacy has been critical in giving a voice who have sacrificed so much.

Three men standing outdoors in winter, holding a large check for $50,000 made out to Norwood Hospital, with a hospital building in the background.

As State Senator, former State Representative, and now Senate Majority Whip, Mike has led on some of the most transformative laws in recent history. He has championed and helped make laws that provide free school meals for all children, cut taxes for working families and seniors, expand access to prescription drugs and healthcare, fight climate change, deliver more resources to teachers and classrooms, and stand up for communities under attack and democracy – Mike has delivered.

Four people smiling and posing for a photo in a restaurant. The group includes two men and two women dressed in business and colorful attire. Behind them is a wooden window frame and a busy kitchen area.

Prior to being elected to the Senate in 2010, Senator Rush served as a member of the House of Representatives from 2003 to 2010 representing the people of the 10th Suffolk District. In the House, he served as a member of the following Joint Legislative Committees: Revenue, Veterans & Federal Affairs, Judiciary, Natural Resources & Environment, Public Service, Labor & Workforce Development and Ways & Means. Representative Rush served as the Historian of the House of Representatives and was appointed House Chairman of the Special Joint Committee on the Legislature’s 375th Anniversary. In the House, Representative Rush was elected by his Legislative Colleagues to serve as Chairman of the Boston Legislative Delegation.

Family taking a selfie outdoors near a body of water, all smiling and enjoying the moment.

Senator Rush holds a Juris Doctor from Southern New England School of Law and holds both a MA with Distinction in US History and a BA in History and Political Science from Providence College. He is a member of Phi Alpha Theta, the International Honor Society for Historians. Senator Rush is the recipient of the Boston Police Emerald Society’s Man of the Year Award, the Massachusetts Marine Corps League Semper Fidelis, the Massachusetts Veterans’ Service Officers Award. Prior to his election to the Legislature, Senator Rush was a High School History Teacher and is currently an Adjunct Instructor of History. Mike and his wife Mary, along with their children Ciara, James, and Declan live in West Roxbury.