Harold M. Naughton Jr.

Harold M. Naughton Jr. is an American politician, attorney, and retired military officer from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. A member of the Democratic Party, he served as a state representative for the Massachusetts House's 12th Worcester district from 1995 to 2021. Naughton concurrently served for nearly three decades as a Judge Advocate General (JAG) officer in the United States Army Reserve, retiring at the rank of colonel after deployments to Afghanistan and Iraq. In 2024, he launched a campaign for the United States House of Representatives in Massachusetts's 3rd congressional district.

Early life and education

Harold M. Naughton Jr. was born and raised in Clinton, within Worcester County. He is a graduate of Clinton High School. He pursued his higher education at Boston College, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree. Following his undergraduate studies, Naughton attended Suffolk University Law School in Boston, where he received his Juris Doctor degree and was admitted to the Massachusetts Bar Association.

Legal and military career

After law school, Naughton established a private legal practice in Central Massachusetts, focusing on general law. His military career began in 1989 when he received his commission into the United States Army Reserve. He served with the Judge Advocate General's Corps, the legal branch of the United States Army. During his 28-year career, Naughton was mobilized for active duty on multiple occasions, including significant deployments in support of the War in Afghanistan (2001–2021) and the Iraq War. His service included assignments as a senior legal advisor, and he received several military awards before retiring at the rank of colonel in 2017.

Massachusetts House of Representatives

Naughton was first elected to the Massachusetts House of Representatives in 1994, succeeding John J. Binienda to represent the 12th Worcester district. During his tenure, which lasted from 1995 to 2021, he held several influential leadership positions. He served as the House Chair of the Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security and later as the Chair of the Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs. His legislative work focused on veterans' benefits, public safety, and economic development in his district. He did not seek re-election in 2020 and was succeeded by Meghan Kilcoyne.

2024 congressional campaign

In February 2024, Naughton announced his candidacy for the Democratic nomination in Massachusetts's 3rd congressional district. The seat was being vacated by incumbent Lori Trahan, who chose to run for the United States Senate instead. The crowded Democratic primary field included candidates such as Dan Koh, Rufus Gifford, and John Moran. Naughton's campaign emphasized his record of legislative experience in the Massachusetts General Court and his extensive national security and veterans policy background from his military service.

Personal life

Naughton resides in Clinton. He is married and has three children. He remains active in his local community and veterans' organizations. His father, Harold M. Naughton Sr., also served in the Massachusetts House of Representatives and as the Worcester County Sheriff.

Category:1963 births Category:Living people Category:Members of the Massachusetts House of Representatives Category:Massachusetts Democrats Category:United States Army colonels Category:People from Clinton, Massachusetts Category:Boston College alumni Category:Suffolk University Law School alumni Category:American military personnel of the Iraq War Category:American military personnel of the War in Afghanistan (2001–2021)