State Representative John Lawn, the incumbent Democrat representing the 10th Middlesex District (parts of Newton, Watertown, and Waltham), says his work on health care policy, local funding, and responsiveness to community needs demonstrate why voters should return him to Beacon Hill this fall. Newton City Councilor is challenging him, as she did in 2020.
Lawn, who chairs the Legislature’s Joint Committee on Health Care Financing, pointed to recently passed legislation aimed at protecting health care workers from workplace violence as one of his signature accomplishments. The bill, which passed both the House and Senate and is awaiting final action in conference committee, would establish protections and support for health care employees assaulted on the job. Lawn said the measure was years in the making and required compromise among hospitals, labor unions, and other stakeholders.
In an interview with Fig City News, health care dominated much of his discussion. Lawn expressed concern about federal reductions in Medicaid funding and new eligibility requirements for the program, and he argued that they would place added strain on Massachusetts hospitals and health care providers. He said that new work requirements for MassHealth recipients will force many eligible residents to navigate complex paperwork to maintain coverage. According to Lawn, many people who should remain insured may lose benefits simply because they cannot keep up with administrative requirements. As coverage lapses, he fears more uninsured residents will seek care at hospitals, increasing costs of uncompensated care and placing additional strain on an already stressed healthcare system. To address the problem, Lawn said that Massachusetts has provided $10 million to Healthcare for All and is working with community organizations, local officials, and state leaders to educate residents about maintaining coverage and completing required paperwork.
He also highlighted legislative efforts to increase oversight of private-equity ownership in health care following the Steward Health Care crisis, which led to the closure of several hospitals in the state.
On housing, Lawn spoke in support of the MBTA Communities Law, calling it an important step toward expanding housing production. He said communities that resist new housing may face more pressure from the state. He also argued that Massachusetts needs more workforce housing and substantially more senior housing, saying that additional options for older residents could free up single-family homes for younger families while allowing seniors to remain in their communities.
Lawn highlighted several district-specific projects he has supported, including funding for tree planting in Newton’s Nonantum neighborhood, assistance for Newton veterans’ facilities and parks, preservation of the Waltham Community Farms property, and state support for Watertown’s new net-zero high school.
Addressing public transportation, Lawn praised MBTA General Manager Phillip Eng’s leadership but said that decades of underinvestment mean major improvements will require sustained funding. He credited revenue from the Fair Share Amendment with helping support transportation and education investments statewide.
Asked about his summer 2025 arrest for operating under the influence and leaving the scene of property damage, Lawn demurred, saying “I’ve already talked about it, and there is really nothing left to say.” (See Fig City News article.)
Lawn’s challenger, Newton City Councilor Alison Leary, has criticized the Legislature on issues of transparency and governance (see Fig City News interview with her). During his interview with Fig City News, Lawn defended the Legislature’s operations and argued that many criticisms stem from misconceptions about how the institution functions. He said:
- “When people talk about transparency, I ask, ‘What are you looking for?’ – because what they’re looking for has been public for years. Public hearings, committee votes – they’re all public. It’s on the website.”
- “In front of the [Supreme Judicial Court], the State Auditor was asked what she was looking for, and she listed four things. We provided them. She said that wasn’t enough.”
- “I think the Legislature should be audited — absolutely. We get audited every year. But there’s an argument about separation of powers [between the Legislative and Executive branches].”
- “In a bill passed in the House, we said that the State Auditor could pick an independent auditor, and the House would fund it. The State Auditor was against that.”
Lawn concluded his comments by saying: “I love this job. I love the ability to help people. I think it’s the best job.”
In-person voting for the primary election takes place Tuesday, September 1; mail-in voting is underway. See the Fig City News Voters’ Guide.