Full Biography
Joe Kennedy III is proud to serve the Fourth District of Massachusetts in Congress. Currently in his second term, he represents a diverse district that spans from the suburbs of Boston to the more industrial towns of Massachusetts’ South Coast.
As member of the influential House Energy & Commerce Committee, Joe has prioritized economic opportunity for working families. A vocal advocate for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education, vocational schools and community colleges, he has authored several pieces of legislation in Washington aimed at improving access to our modern economy, including the Perkins Modernization Act and STEM Gateways Act.
Inspired by the manufacturing traditions that drive many of the communities he represents, Joe also introduced the Revitalize American Manufacturing (RAMI) Act during his first term, which will help fuel innovation and new technologies throughout our manufacturing sector. After a year of building broad bipartisan and industry support, RAMI passed the House of Representatives and was signed into law by President Obama at the end of 2014.
From his spot on the E&C Committee, Joe has emphasized issues of critical importance to Massachusetts. Whether leading efforts to combat opiate abuse or working with federal regulators to tackle the rising cost of energy across New England, his legislative agenda is driven by the communities back home. Deeply dedicated to being as accessible as possible to his constituents, Joe has launched creative efforts to consistently visit every city and town in the 4th District, from “Tour 34” to “District Days.”
Whether at home in the Commonwealth or down in Washington, Joe has become a powerful voice for social justice, championing issues like employment non-discrimination, pay equity, marriage equality and comprehensive immigration reform.
Prior to being elected to Congress, Joe served the Commonwealth of Massachusetts as an Assistant District Attorney in both the Middlesex County and Cape and Island’s District Attorneys’ Offices. Before that he served as a member of the Peace Corps in the Dominican Republic where he designed and implemented an economic development project near Puerto Plata.
Born and raised in Massachusetts, Joe is fluent in Spanish and holds a bachelor’s degree in Management Science and Engineering from Stanford University as well as a J.D. from Harvard Law School.
He lives with his wife, Lauren, a health policy expert, their daughter, Eleanor, and their dog, Banjo, in Brookline, Mass.
Click here to download Joe's official headshot.
