Matt McLaughlin, Iraq War veteran, Somerville City Councilor, and candidate for State Senate in the Second Middlesex District, graduated from Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government Thursday with a Master’s in Public Administration.

“I used to mop floors at MIT. Now I’m graduating from Harvard,” McLaughlin said. “I was also proud to wear a veteran insignia with my cap and gown, recognizing my time in the Army. Both my military service and Harvard experience taught me to expect more from myself, because I’m capable of so much more. I look forward to taking these lessons to the State House so I can help more working people Afford to Dream as I have.”

McLaughlin’s graduation marks another chapter in a life defined by public service, from serving two tours in Iraq, to returning home to Somerville and organizing for working families, affordable housing, veterans, and stronger communities. Upon returning home from war, Matt received a bachelor’s degree from Tufts in Political Science through the GI Bill.

“I went to the Kennedy School to become a better public servant,” said McLaughlin. “The challenges facing Massachusetts families are too urgent for politics as usual on Beacon Hill. Working people are being priced out of the communities they helped build, and we need leaders with the experience, training, and commitment to take on the affordability crisis directly.”

At Harvard Kennedy School, McLaughlin studied public administration, government, and policy with a focus on how public institutions can better serve residents. His time at the Kennedy School built on more than a decade of experience in local government and community advocacy.

Matt’s story is rooted in service. He served his country overseas, came home to serve his community, and has continued building the skills needed to fight for residents at every level of government. McLaughlin has represented Somerville on the City Council, where he has fought for affordable housing, transparency, workers’ rights, veterans, immigrant communities, and neighborhood services. His graduation from Harvard Kennedy School reflects the seriousness and discipline he brings to public service.

McLaughlin is running for State Senate in the Second Middlesex District, which includes Somerville, Medford, parts of Cambridge, and Winchester. His campaign is centered on affordability, housing, good government, and making Massachusetts a place where working people can afford not just to survive, but to dream.

About Matt McLaughlin

Matt McLaughlin is an Iraq War veteran, Somerville City Councilor, and candidate for State Senate in the Second Middlesex District. The son of janitors, Matt grew up in a working-class family grounded in humility, hard work, and service. After serving two tours in Iraq, he returned home to Somerville and began organizing for affordable housing, local jobs, substance abuse treatment, veterans, and working families. He went to Tufts on the GI Bill and graduated with a bachelors in Political Science He is a graduate of Harvard Kennedy School, where he earned a Master’s in Public Administration.