Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey defeated Republican Geoff Diehl to become the state’s first female governor.

Healey will also be one of the country’s first openly lesbian governors.

The Massachusetts Legislature adjourned its formal session August 1 after a historic 23-hour session.

Before adjourning, lawmakers passed laws legalizing sports betting, expanding mental health care, and overhauling regulations related to recreational marijuana.

The Legislature will continue to meet in informal sessions where non-controversial issues may be considered and approved by a voice vote.

This does not affect lobbyist reporting.

The Springfield, Massachusetts City Council authorized a special election for the vacant Ward 5 seat with a primary election to be held on August 16, followed by a general election on September 14.

The Ward 5 seat became vacant when Council President Marcus Williams resigned on May 31.

The winner of the special election will serve the remainder of the two-year term set to expire at the end of 2023.

The Massachusetts Office of Campaign and Political Finance (OCPF) revised the state’s campaign finance regulations to address issues related to payment applications, the depository reporting schedule, and independent expenditures.

Under the revised regulations, contributions may be received through peer-to-peer payment applications.

The revised regulations also flesh out the rules surrounding independent expenditures made by traditional PACs and ballot question committees and update the depository reporting schedule to match the schedule contained in G.L. §55-19.

The revised regulations are now in effect.

The Boston City Council announced a special election for the District 1 seat to be held on May 3 with a preliminary election to be held on April 5.

The seat is vacant after Lydia Edwards was elected to the state Senate in a special election last month.

The winner of the special election will serve the remainder of the term set to expire at the end of 2023.

The Office of Campaign and Political Finance (OCPF) will hold a public hearing related to proposed changes to Massachusetts’ state campaign finance regulations on February 15 at 2:00 p.m. via Zoom.

Proposed changes include a revised campaign contribution limit chart; changes to the filing schedule for depository PACs; and additional guidance regarding disclosure requirements for traditional and independent expenditure PACs.

In total, 35 changes are proposed by the agency.

Individuals wishing to attend the hearing can email jtait@cpf.state.ma.us to request the virtual hearing link.

Written comments may also be submitted by email or mail until 5:00 p.m. on February 22 to gbirne@cpf.state.ma.us or to Gregory Birne, OCPF, Room 411, One Ashburton Place, Boston, MA 02108.

Cambridge, Massachusetts City Council passed an ordinance limiting campaign contributions to municipal candidates and their committees from certain business entities to $200 annually.

Business entities seeking a city contract will be required to disclose all campaign contributions made to candidates and their PACs in the preceding 12 months.

Business entities exceeding the $200 contribution limit will not be eligible for city contracts or other city action, including the receipt of special permits, zoning changes, or community development or other forms of financial assistance.

The definition of business entity is expansive and includes individuals as well as corporations and their officers.

The definition of business entity does not, however, include labor unions.

The ordinance is expected to take effect in 2022.

Massachusetts State lawmaker Rep. Claire Cronin was confirmed by the U.S. Senate on Saturday as the next ambassador to Ireland.

Rep. Cronin, who currently serves as the House’s majority leader, is expected to resign, creating a vacancy in the 11^th Plymouth House District.

The House is expected to call for a special election to fill the vacancy.

Michelle Wu, City Council member and attorney, will be the next mayor of Boston.

Wu defeated fellow councilmember Annissa Essaibi George by 28 percentage points.

She will be the first woman and the first person of color to serve as mayor.

Massachusetts State officials scheduled a special election for January 11, 2022 to fill the state Senate seat in the 1st Suffolk and Middlesex District.

The seat became vacant when Sen. Joe Boncore resigned to accept the CEO position with the Massachusetts Biotechnology Council.

A primary will be held on December 14.

Massachusetts State Sen. Joe Boncore resigned to become CEO of the Massachusetts Biotechnology Council.

His current term is set to expire on January 4, 2023.

The governor is expected to call for a special election to fill the vacant 1st Suffolk and Middlesex District seat.

Massachusetts state officials scheduled a special election on November 30 for the state House seat in the 4th Essex District.

The seat became vacant when Rep. Brad Mill resigned to accept an appointment to the Massachusetts Gaming Commission.

A primary will be held on November 2.

Massachusetts State Rep. Brad Hill resigned to accept an appointment to the state’s Gaming Commission.

His current term is set to expire on January 3, 2023.

Gov. Baker is expected to call for a special election to fill the vacant Essex 4th District seat.

I am pleased to share the news State and Federal Communications has acquired the lobbying compliance reporting business of MER Consulting Services, LLC, from its owner and founder, Mary Roche.

MER has been a fixture in Massachusetts lobbying compliance reporting and consulting, having served local organizations and leading companies in the state since 2001. She has had a very successful career in this field.

This move allows Mary to wind down her career, while ensuring a solid transition for her clients to continue receiving professional and thorough political reporting and lobbying consulting services, plus additional support from our larger research and compliance staffs.

Mary will stay on with State and Federal Communications as a consultant in the year ahead as the transition takes place to ensure clients’ reporting needs are adequately served.

I personally am enthused about this development! It will allow State and Federal Communications to continue to grow our business by doing what we do best…providing top-tier and trusted political compliance services. It is a positive endorsement Mary has put her faith in our capabilities to take care of the lobbying compliance reporting needs of her Massachusetts clients.

For the full story, please read the media press release announcement.