Marc R. Pacheco

Marc R. Pacheco (born October 29, 1952) is an American state legislator who served as a member of the Massachusetts Senate from the 1st Plymouth and Bristol district from 1993 to 2025. A member of the Democratic Party, he previously represented the 3rd Bristol district in the Massachusetts House of Representatives from 1989 to 1993.

Early life and education Pacheco was born on October 29, 1952 in Taunton, Massachusetts to Emily L. Pacheco (née Henriques) and Richard Pacheco.

A graduate of Taunton High School , Pacheco received an associate degree from the Stockbridge School of Agriculture at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, a bachelor's degree from New Hampshire College (now Southern New Hampshire University), and a master's degree from Suffolk University.

Political career Pacheco entered politics in 1980 when he was elected to the Taunton School Committee. He served until 1989, including two years as chair from 1987 to 1988. From 1982 to 1988, he also served as chief assistant to Mayor Richard Johnson.

In 1988, with incumbent Theodore J. Aleixo Jr. running for Senate, Pacheco was elected to the 3rd Bristol district of the Massachusetts House of Representatives. He defeated fellow Taunton residents Carol Doherty and Gail Tardo in the Democratic primary and faced no opposition in the general election. Doherty would later be elected to the seat in a special election in 2020.

In 1992, Pacheco ran for Senate and defeated incumbent Republican Erving H. Wall Jr.

In 2001, Pacheco ran in the 9th congressional district special election caused by the death of Congressman Joe Moakley. He finished fourth in the Democratic primary with 13% of the vote, placing behind colleagues Brian A. Joyce, Cheryl Jacques, and the eventual winner Stephen Lynch.

In 2016, Pacheco served as a presidential elector, casting his vote for Hillary Clinton.

On February 13, 2024, Pacheco announced he would not seek another term.

Committee Assignments Source: 193rd General Court (2023-24) Chairperson, Senate Committee on Post Audit and Oversight Chairperson, Joint Committee on Emergency Preparedness and Management Vice Chair, Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy Senate Committee on Global Warming and Climate Change Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight

Personal life Pacheco lives in Taunton with his wife Barbara, a few blocks from where he grew up.