Kim Driscoll

Kim Driscoll is an American attorney and politician serving as the 73rd Lieutenant Governor of Massachusetts since 2023, alongside Governor Maura Healey. A member of the Democratic Party, she previously served as the 50th Mayor of Salem, Massachusetts from 2006 to 2023, becoming the first woman to be elected to the position. Driscoll's career is noted for a focus on municipal management, economic development, and climate resilience, particularly in her historic hometown.

Early life and education

Kim Driscoll was born and raised in Salem, Massachusetts, a city with deep historical roots in early American history. She attended local public schools before pursuing higher education at Salem State University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree. She later obtained her Juris Doctor from the Massachusetts School of Law in Andover. Her early professional experience included work as a town planner in Manchester-by-the-Sea and serving as the city solicitor for Chelsea, roles that grounded her in the practical challenges of local government in Massachusetts.

Early political career

Driscoll's entry into elected office began with her service on the Salem City Council, where she represented Ward 1 from 2000 to 2006. During this period, she focused on issues of neighborhood preservation, zoning, and fiscal responsibility. In 2005, she was elected Mayor of Salem, Massachusetts, defeating incumbent Stanley J. Usovicz Jr. Her administration prioritized revitalizing Downtown Salem, improving public infrastructure, and strengthening the city's financial health following periods of budgetary strain. She was re-elected decisively in subsequent elections, including in 2009, 2013, 2017, and 2021.

Lieutenant Governor of Massachusetts

In 2022, Driscoll was selected by then-Attorney General Maura Healey as her running mate in the 2022 Massachusetts gubernatorial election. The Healey-Driscoll ticket won the Democratic primary and defeated the Republican ticket of Geoff Diehl and Leah Cole Allen in the general election. She was sworn into office on January 5, 2023, succeeding Karyn Polito. As Lieutenant Governor, her portfolio has included leading the Community One Stop for Growth initiative, chairing the Council of State Governments Eastern Regional Conference, and advocating for increased investment in public transit, affordable housing, and child care.

Political positions and public image

Driscoll is considered a pragmatic, results-oriented progressive with a strong record on local government management and economic development. As mayor, she was a vocal advocate for renewable energy and climate adaptation, notably in preparing Salem Harbor for the impacts of sea level rise. She has supported policies to expand early childhood education, increase the state minimum wage, and protect reproductive rights in line with the Massachusetts General Court. Her public image is often tied to her collaborative approach, leveraging her municipal experience to address statewide issues, and her historic role as part of the first all-women executive team leading Massachusetts.

Electoral history

* 2005 Salem mayoral election: Defeated incumbent Stanley J. Usovicz Jr. and other candidates. * 2009 Salem mayoral election: Re-elected, defeating challenger Kevin Harvey. * 2013 Salem mayoral election: Re-elected, defeating Edward "Buddy" Bettencourt. * 2017 Salem mayoral election: Re-elected, defeating Paul Prevey. * 2021 Salem mayoral election: Re-elected, defeating Stephen Dibble. * 2022 Massachusetts gubernatorial election: Elected Lieutenant Governor on the Healey-Driscoll ticket, defeating Geoff Diehl and Leah Cole Allen.

Category:1966 births Category:Lieutenant Governors of Massachusetts Category:Mayors of Salem, Massachusetts Category:Salem State University alumni Category:Massachusetts School of Law alumni Category:21st-century American politicians Category:American women city mayors Category:Living people