I ran for State Representative in 2020 to fight for the things that helped my family build their life in Revere, Massachusetts: unions that protect working people, public schools that support all students, and an affordable community with safe and reliable access to jobs and transportation.
I am a proud Revere native, and a graduate of Revere High School’s class of 2006.
My family is originally from Revere’s Beachmont neighborhood. My father, James, is a union operating engineer in the International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 4. My mother Susan is a lifelong advocate for Revere’s public schools and now serves on the Revere School Committee. My sister Kristina is a graduate of Revere High School’s class of 2009 and still lives in Revere with her husband, Renato Paolini.
Until age 6, my family lived in a two-family home with my grandparents, Pat and Joyce Attenasio, before moving to Randall Road, where my parents still reside.
After graduating from Revere High School, I attended Boston College and graduated in 2010.
After college, I worked at the Massachusetts State House for Representative Lori Ehrlich. In that role, I helped Rep. Ehrlich craft and pass legislation to hold utility companies accountable for dangerous natural gas leaks, protect working people from being exploited by non-compete agreements, shut down dirty polluting coal plants, and move Massachusetts toward a clean energy future.
Following my time at the State House, I worked for the administration of Revere Mayor Brian Arrigo. At City Hall, I was part of the team that worked on the nuts and bolts of making government work better – increasing access to substance abuse treatment, re-launching the city’s Commission on Disabilities, and expanding public health and recreation programs.
I was proud to be the office’s voice in the press and on social media – keeping residents informed during emergencies, and fulfilling Mayor Arrigo’s commitment to making government more transparent and accountable.
After leaving the Mayor’s office, I remained involved in the community, taking a role as Chairman of the Revere Scholarship Committee, being elected as a delegate to the Massachusetts Democratic Convention, and as ward chair for the Revere Democratic City Committee.
In my campaign for State Representative in 2020, I was proud to receive the endorsement of a wide range of progressive, labor, and advocacy organizations.
- Massachusetts Teachers Association
- Boston Teachers Union
- National Association of Social Workers – MA
- 32BJ SEIU
- Revere DPW Union Local 880
- International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 4
- Tunnel Workers, Local 88
- Bricklayers, Local 3
- Iron Workers, Local 7
- Roofers, Local 33
- Insulators, Local 6
- Elevator Constructors, Local 4
- Sunrise Boston
- Sierra Club Massachusetts
- 350 Massachusetts
- Massachusetts Voters for Animals
- Bay State Stonewall Democrats
- Progressive Massachusetts
- New Progressive Leaders
- Act on Massachusetts
- The Revere Democratic City Committee
- Chelsea Ward 4 Democratic Committee
- Chelsea School Committee member Roberto Jiménez Rivera
- Chelsea School Committee member Marisol Santiago
- Chelsea City Councilor Enio Lopez
I was proud of our efforts as a first-time candidate, and remain truly appreciative for all the support from people across the community.
Joe Gravellese 