Mass. Senate declares First Middlesex vacancy, sets special election; approves multiple bills and an amendment

The Massachusetts Senate on the floor declared the office of senator for the First Middlesex District vacant after the reported death of Senator Edward J. Kennedy and directed the president of the Senate to issue a precept setting March 3, 2026, as the date for a special election to fill the vacancy. The order, presented by Senator Spilka, cited Article 4, Section 2 of Chapter 1 of the Massachusetts Constitution as authority for the action.

The Senate moved multiple pieces of legislation to further consideration and passage during the session. Several bills were ordered to a third reading or passed to be engrossed with voice votes of “the ayes have it.” Among the actions, the chamber adopted an amendment to a Quincy revenue-bond bill proposed by Senator Keenan and approved an order scheduling consideration and amendment deadlines for a supplemental appropriations bill tied to Ways and Means.

Why it matters: the vacancy triggers a precept and a special election schedule that will determine representation for the First Middlesex District. The other actions advance local-authority and financing bills and set the process and deadlines for consideration of a key supplemental appropriations bill in the coming week.

What the Senate did

Vacancy and special election: Senator Spilka presented an order declaring the Senate seat for the First Middlesex District vacant…