Announcement
CAMPAIGN FOR STATE REPRESENTATIVE · 34TH MIDDLESEX DISTRICT
Media Contact:
Paul Ruseau for State Representative
paul@electpaul.org
(617) 396-7963
Paul Ruseau Announces Campaign for
State Representative of the 34th Middlesex District
Five-Term Medford School Committee Leader Running to Champion Education and Housing Affordability for Medford and Somerville
MEDFORD, MA — March 22, 2026 —Today, Paul Ruseau, a five-term member of the Medford School Committee, announced his candidacy for State Representative in the 34th Middlesex District. As a tireless advocate with nine years of hands-on public service in Medford, Paul is ready to bring that same energy and commitment to the families of Somerville — and to take the values of both communities to Beacon Hill.
“I grew up experiencing homelessness and food insecurity, without access to basic medical and dental care. I know firsthand that school can be the only safe place a child has. I will carry that lived experience into every vote and every conversation at the State House — because I know what it costs when government fails the most vulnerable among us. I will work tirelessly to make sure it finally works for them.”
— Paul Ruseau
These experiences shaped Paul’s belief that government should help people build stable lives — not force them to fight just to get by.
In his nine years navigating tough budgets and putting students and educators first as a member of the Medford School Committee, Paul has driven dozens of policy initiatives to fundamentally transform Medford Public Schools in ways that families feel every day. From free meals for all students to fighting for a living wage for the lowest-paid teaching staff, to eliminating out-of-school suspensions and strengthening bullying prevention, Paul knows what it takes to get things done in government.
“Many of the challenges our communities face need to be tackled at the State level: affordable housing, protecting our immigrant neighbors, universal healthcare, childcare and pre-K, free college tuition, defending LGBTQ+ rights, a free and expanded MBTA, the dignity of a living wage, and ensuring the services we provide for our seniors are truly accessible and coordinated. I fought these fights in Medford, and I’m ready to keep fighting for families everywhere.”
— Paul Ruseau
He is running to bring bold, experienced leadership to a district that deserves nothing less.
Paul doesn’t just champion the work — he shows up and does it himself.
FIGHTING FOR WORLD-CLASS EDUCATION
Paul has delivered tangible results for Medford's educators and students. He fought to transform teacher compensation from one of the least competitive in the region to one of the most competitive, with average salaries rising from $71,115 in 2017 to $114,996 by the end of the current contract, a 61.7% increase. Between 2024 and 2025, he spent over 214 hours negotiating contracts that enabled a complete transformation of the Medford Public Schools. In 2020, during the pandemic, he demanded that the School Committee offer a 25% increase for paraprofessionals because he was aghast at the current pay structure, and he has continued to champion dramatic pay increases for paraprofessionals, raising starting annual pay from $14,800 when he was elected to $36,028 by the end of the current contract, a 143.4% increase. At the State House, Paul will reform the Chapter 70 funding formula to ensure Medford and Somerville get their fair share, invest in early childhood education, and hold the Commonwealth accountable for delivering the resources our students and educators deserve.
HOUSING STABILITY, HEALTHCARE, AND STUDENT SUCCESS
Paul's commitment to these issues is deeply personal. As a child, he experienced food and housing insecurity and went without consistent healthcare, dental care, and mental health care. That lived experience taught him something no policy brief could: housing, food, healthcare, and education are not isolated issues — they’re inseparable, and they must be a right for every person.
On Beacon Hill, Paul will fight for policies that will keep residents in their homes and find homes they can afford, ensure everyone has access to healthcare, dental care, mental healthcare, and nutrition, and fight to ensure every person in Medford and Somerville has a strong foundation for success, dignity, and a thriving future.
Beacon Hill doesn’t just need more good ideas – it needs people who know how to turn those ideas into policy.
Paul has spent nine years as a tireless advocate for Medford families, and he is eager to bring that same energy and determination to Somerville. His campaign will be fueled by neighbors, parents, educators, and community leaders across both cities who believe that when we have a government that shows up for working people, our best days are still ahead.
About Paul Ruseau
Paul Ruseau has served five terms on the Medford School Committee, where he has championed equitable education funding, strong academic standards, and responsive governance. A dedicated public servant and community leader, Paul lives in Medford with his husband and two children. He is running for State Representative in the 34th Middlesex District, which covers portions of Medford and Somerville.
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