Marjorie Decker

{{Short description|American politician}} {{pp-extended|small=yes}} {{Infobox officeholder | image = Marjorie C. Decker.jpg | image_size = | name = Marjorie Decker | birth_date = | birth_place = | death_date = | death_place = | resting_place = | occupation = Legislator | party = Democratic | spouse = Bahij Bandar | children = 2 | alma_mater = {{nowrap|University of Massachusetts {{small|(B.A.)}}<br />University of Massachusetts {{small|(M.P.A)}}<br />Harvard University {{small|(M.A.)}}}} | office = Member of the<br />Massachusetts House of Representatives<br />from the 25th Middlesex district | term_start = January 7, 2013 | term_end = | predecessor = Alice Wolf | successor = | parents = }} '''Marjorie C. Decker''' is an American politician who has served in the Massachusetts House of Representatives representing the 25th Middlesex district since 2013. A Democrat, Decker previously served on the Cambridge City Council from 1993 to 2013. Since 2016, she has been employed by the class action law firm Berman Tabacco.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Flannelly |first=Sean |date=2024-08-19 |title=Between state rep salary and pay at law firm, Decker's take-home is highest in delegation |url=https://www.cambridgeday.com/2024/08/19/between-state-rep-salary-and-consulting-pay-deckers-take-home-is-highest-in-delegation/ |access-date=2024-08-24 |website=Cambridge Day |language=en-US}}</ref>

== Early life == Decker was born and raised in Cambridge, Massachusetts, to a father who was Vietnam war veteran and worked as a security guard<ref>{{Cite web |last=Anjaria |first=Naseem |title=Breaking down the MA State Representative Election |url=https://registerforum.org/21432/news/metro/breaking-down-the-ma-state-representative-election/ |access-date=2026-01-28 |website=The Register Forum}}</ref> while her mother was a nursing assistant.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Dumcius |first=Gintautas |date=2024-08-27 |title=In Cambridge rep race, a liberal showdown |url=https://commonwealthbeacon.org/politics/in-cambridge-rep-race-a-liberal-showdown/ |access-date=2024-08-28 |website=CommonWealth Beacon |language=en-US}}</ref> She grew up in public housing in Cambridgeport, and graduated from the Cambridge Rindge and Latin School.

Decker received her Bachelor of Arts in social thought and political economy from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, an MPA from the University of Massachusetts Boston, and a Master of Science from the John F. Kennedy School of Government of Harvard University in 2007.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Meet Our Alums Serving in Government |url=https://www.hks.harvard.edu/centers/wappp/for-students/harvard-square-oval-office/meet-our-alums |access-date=2026-01-27 |website=www.hks.harvard.edu |language=en}}</ref>

== Political career == Decker served seven terms on the Cambridge City Council in Cambridge, Massachusetts<ref>{{cite web|last=Cambridge|first=City of|title=Cambridge City Council Members|url=http://www.ci.cambridge.ma.us/ccouncil/citycouncilmembers.aspx|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130421193557/http://www.ci.cambridge.ma.us/ccouncil/citycouncilmembers.aspx|archive-date=21 April 2013|access-date=17 December 2012}}</ref> from 1999 to 2013 and at the time was the youngest woman ever to be elected to the Cambridge City Council, and served as Vice Mayor from 2004 to 2005, where she attracted publicity for her staunch views against the Iraq War.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Guinness |first=Rick |date=2005-11-14 |title=Veterans strong, but silent publicly, about feelings on Iraq |url=https://www.cambridgeday.com/2005/11/14/veterans-strong-but-silent-publicly-in-feelings-on-iraq/ |access-date=2026-01-28 |website=Cambridge Day |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Vote Smart {{!}} Facts For All |url=https://justfacts.votesmart.org/candidate/biography/74924/marjorie-decker |access-date=2024-08-28 |website=Vote Smart}}</ref>

In 2012, she was elected as a state representative to the Massachusetts legislature, succeeding Alice Wolf.<ref name="CAMBRIDGEDAY">Levy, Marc, [http://www.cambridgeday.com/2012/09/06/decker-wins-unofficial-84-percent-in-state-rep-primary-its-rogers-in-the-24th-curtatone-as-register/ "Decker wins (unofficial) 84 percent in state rep primary; it's Rogers in the 24th, Curtatone as register"], ''Cambridge Day'', Thursday, September 6, 2012</ref> She is the co-chair of the Joint Committee on Public Health.<ref name="Kunitz2">{{Cite news |last=Kunitz |first=Allison |date=2024-06-26 |title=State House Unanimously Approves Maternal Health Bill |url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/2024/06/26/metro/state-house-unanimously-approves-maternal-health-bill/ |work=The Boston Globe}}</ref> As a state representative, Decker has focused on public health, maternal health, environmental health, and criminal justice issues. She has served as co-chair of the Joint Committee on Public Health and played a role in the development of maternal health legislation expanding access to midwifery, doula, and postpartum care services.<ref name="Kunitz">{{Cite news |last=Kunitz |first=Allison |date=2024-06-26 |title=State House Unanimously Approves Maternal Health Bill |url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/2024/06/26/metro/state-house-unanimously-approves-maternal-health-bill/ |work=The Boston Globe}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Governor Healey Signs Maternal Health Bill, Expanding Access to Midwifery, Birth Centers and Doulas in Massachusetts |url=https://www.mass.gov/news/governor-healey-signs-maternal-health-bill-expanding-access-to-midwifery-birth-centers-and-doulas-in-massachusetts |access-date=2024-08-31 |website=mass.gov}}</ref> She has also supported legislation related to environmental contaminants in consumer products and proposed clean energy transition policies,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Gov. Healey signs new law to ban PFAS in firefighting gear |url=https://pirg.org/massachusetts/updates/gov-healey-signs-new-law-to-ban-pfas-in-firefighting-gear/ |website=MASSPIRG}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Decker |first=Marjorie |title=Bill H.3689 - An Act transitioning Massachusetts to clean electricity, heating and transportation |url=https://malegislature.gov/Bills/193/HD3348 |website=malegislature.gov}}</ref> and co-authored legislation concerning police conduct involving individuals in custody.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2018-03-25 |title=Bill would bar police from claiming sexual contact with anyone in custody is consensual |url=https://www0.bostonglobe.com/metro/2018/03/25/state-lawmakers-push-proposal-close-police-conduct-loophole/vWGtet9NfEV3Bgfvq0l2kM/story.html?p1=Article_Related_Box_Article |website=The Boston Globe}}</ref>

=== Legislative memberships === Decker is currently the co-chair of the Joint Committee on Public Health. She is also a member of the Caucus of Women Legislators, as well as the Black and Latino Caucus.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Representative Marjorie C. Decker |url=https://malegislature.gov/Legislators/Profile/MCD1/193/Committees |access-date=2025-07-18 |website=malegislature.gov}}</ref> Decker has also served as chair of the Special Legislative Commission on Racial Inequities in Maternal Health, as well as chair of the Poverty Commission.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Marjorie Decker |url=https://www.decker4rep.com/accomplishments |access-date=2025-07-18 |website=Marjorie Decker |language=en}}</ref>

== Electoral history ==

=== 2024 Democratic primary challenge === In 2024, she faced a primary challenge from Evan MacKay, a labor organizer and teaching fellow at Harvard University. MacKay emphasized legislative transparency and internal reform of the Massachusetts House of Representatives alongside more expansive policy positions, while Marjorie Decker emphasized her legislative record and ability to advance policy within existing structures.<ref>https://www.cambridgeday.com/2024/08/30/with-positions-similar-for-house-candidates-challenger-points-to-issues-of-transparency/</ref><ref>https://www.cambridgeday.com/2024/09/04/challenger-mackay-beats-incumbent-rep-decker-by-a-tight-margin-but-sees-a-mandate-for-change/</ref>

MacKay declared victory on election night after preliminary results with 99% of ballots counted showed them with a 40-vote lead. Local newspaper ''Cambridge Day'' declared the following morning that MacKay had won,<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |title=In Shocking Twist, Decker Pulls Ahead of MacKay by 41 Votes |url=https://www.thecrimson.com/article/2024/9/5/decker-leads-mackay/ |access-date=2025-12-20 |website=www.thecrimson.com}}</ref> though the Associated Press had not yet called the race.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |title=Recount possible in Mass. House primary race as unofficial results show MacKay leading incumbent Decker by 40 votes - The Boston Globe |url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/2024/09/03/metro/massachusetts-primary-election-results/ |access-date=2025-12-19 |website=BostonGlobe.com |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=With 40-Vote Lead, MacKay Declares Victory Over Decker in State Rep. Primary Race |url=https://www.thecrimson.com/article/2024/9/4/decker-mackay-primary-results/ |access-date=2025-12-19 |website=www.thecrimson.com}}</ref><ref name=":2" /> According to ''The Boston Globe'', Decker herself "seemed to come close" to conceding the race in an emotional speech to supporters on election night, stating "There's a lot of tears to be had. I'm not shedding any tears.... I've had 25 incredible years of doing what I love," though she described MacKay's celebration as premature.<ref name=":3" /> The following day, the Cambridge Election Commission revealed an updated count with Decker ahead by 41 votes after the remaining 1% of ballots were counted.<ref name=":2" /> MacKay then requested a recount, which confirmed the tally.<ref name="CD">[https://www.cambridgeday.com/2024/09/12/recount-returns-rep-decker-to-state-house/ Recount returns Rep. Decker to State House], Cambridge Day, Marc Levy, September 12, 2024. Retrieved September 12, 2024.</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Evan MacKay '19 Files for Recount as Decker Holds on to 41-Vote Lead |url=https://www.thecrimson.com/article/2024/9/7/mackay-decker-recount-primary-election/ |access-date=2025-12-19 |website=www.thecrimson.com}}</ref>

=== 2026 Democratic primary challenge === In January 2026, MacKay announced he would challenge Decker in the September primary after narrowly losing in the previous cycle.<ref>{{cite web |last=DeCosta-Klipa |first=Nik |title=Mackay will challenge Decker again |url=https://www.cambridgeday.com/2026/01/07/mackay-will-challenge-decker-again/ |website=Cambridge Day |date=January 7, 2026}}</ref>

== Notable criticisms and disputes ==

=== Opposition to committee roll call amendment === House rules currently require committee votes to be kept at the State House in the committees' respective offices and available for public inspection during regular office hours. An amendment to make committee roll call votes available on the Legislature's website has been proposed and voted down along party lines since 2011.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Publishing |first=Nashoba |date=2015-01-30 |title=Beacon Hill Roll Call |url=https://www.nashobavalleyvoice.com/2015/01/30/beacon-hill-roll-call-307/ |access-date=2024-09-06 |website=Nashoba Valley Voice |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last1=Sentinel |last2=Contributor |first2=Enterprise |last3=Sentinel |last4=Enterprise |date=2011-01-24 |title=Legislators vote on rules-change proposals |url=https://www.sentinelandenterprise.com/2011/01/24/legislators-vote-on-rules-change-proposals/ |access-date=2024-09-06 |website=Sentinel and Enterprise |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=CALL |first=BOB KATZEN BEACON HILL ROLL |date=2013-01-27 |title=Rules votes divided along party lines |url=https://www.thesunchronicle.com/beacon_hill_roll_call/rules-votes-divided-along-party-lines/article_d0f00c42-232f-52ae-916c-447c51f8b0dd.html |access-date=2024-09-06 |website=The Sun Chronicle |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Beacon Hill Roll Call |url=https://www.the-review.com/story/chronicle-transcript/2013/03/18/beacon-hill-roll-call/37725969007/ |access-date=2024-09-06 |website=Alliance Review |language=en-US}}</ref> Decker voted against such amendments in 2018,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Order H.2019 |url=https://malegislature.gov/Bills/190/H2019 |access-date=2024-08-16 |website=malegislature.gov}}</ref> 2019<ref>{{Cite web |title=Order H.2019 |url=https://malegislature.gov/Bills/191/H2019 |access-date=2024-08-16 |website=malegislature.gov}}</ref> [https://malegislature.gov/Journal/House/191/RollCalls/hj01302019_RollCalls.pdf Roll call vote], and 2021<ref>{{Cite web |title=Order H.68 |url=https://malegislature.gov/Bills/192/H68 |access-date=2024-08-16 |website=malegislature.gov}}</ref> [https://malegislature.gov/RollCall/192/HouseRollCall62.pdf Roll call vote] in the annual Massachusetts House rules bill. All amendments failed to pass a large majority, with the 2021 vote failing by a vote of 41-117.

In 2022, a non-binding ballot question organized by her later political opponent<ref name=":1"/> was presented to voters in her district, asking whether their representative should support changes to House rules to make each legislator's committee vote available on the Legislature's website. 94.2% of voters in Decker's district supported the measure.

In 2024, Decker said that committee votes "should be online".<ref name="thecrimson.com">{{Cite news |date=August 30, 2024 |title=In Harvard's Backyard, A State Representative Fights For Her Political Life |newspaper=The Harvard Crimson |url=https://www.thecrimson.com/article/2024/8/30/decker-mackay-elections-preview/ |access-date=2024-08-30 |language=en-US}}</ref>

=== Memorial Drive closure controversy === In 2020, the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) expanded Riverbend Park along Memorial Drive in Cambridge to include Saturdays.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Levine |first=Julia |date=2024-02-06 |title=Opponents of Riverbend Park meet in Riverside with state official, demanding support on traffic |url=https://www.cambridgeday.com/2024/02/05/opponents-of-riverbend-park-meet-in-riverside-with-state-official-demanding-support-on-traffic/ |access-date=2024-08-15 |website=Cambridge Day |language=en-US}}</ref> After considerable public debate and a Cambridge City Council vote in support of expanded hours,<ref>{{Cite web |title=POR 2023 #33 That the City Manager is requested to confer with the appropriate departments and agencies to ensure the continuation of Riverbend Park closures on Saturdays and Sundays. - Cambridge City, MA |url=https://cambridgema.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?Frame=&MeetingID=4253&MediaPosition=&ID=18307&CssClass= |access-date=2024-08-19 |website=cambridgema.iqm2.com}}</ref> the DCR limited the park space to Sundays only in April 2023.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-04-04 |title=It's Official: State 'Conservation' Agency Will Reduce Park Access to Bring Back Motor Vehicle Traffic - Streetsblog Massachusetts |url=https://mass.streetsblog.org/2023/04/04/its-official-state-conservation-agency-will-reduce-park-access-to-bring-back-motor-vehicle-traffic |access-date=2024-08-19 |website=mass.streetsblog.org |language=en}}</ref> In June 2023, Decker emailed constituents, stating, "I have not ever publicly or privately advocated against Saturday closings."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gajda |first=Mike |date=2023-07-26 |title=Release of document trove about Riverbend Park raises questions on Decker account, DCR decision |url=https://www.cambridgeday.com/2023/07/26/release-of-document-trove-about-riverbend-park-raises-questions-on-decker-account-dcr-decision/ |access-date=2024-08-15 |website=Cambridge Day |language=en-US}}</ref>

However, emails released as part of a Freedom of Information Act request in July 2023 appeared to contradict this account. In a March 25 email, Rebecca Tepper, Secretary of the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, noted a "falling out" between Decker and fellow Representative Mike Connolly, who supported the extended closures. Tepper twice described Decker as "staunchly opposed" to the Saturday closures and indicated that Decker had "reiterated her position that she was opposed to the park and hoped that none of her colleagues would attempt to force this on her district."<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-04-03 |title=Mass DCR / Riverbend Park 2023 |url=https://www.muckrock.com/foi/massachusetts-1/mass-dcr-riverbend-park-2023-144192/ |access-date=2024-08-15 |website=MuckRock |language=en-US}}</ref>

This incident was covered in multiple episodes of a Cambridge Community Television program ''<nowiki/>'What's that about?'.[https://archive.org/details/cactvmav-What_s_That_About_DCR_Closes_Parks_and_Disses_Cambridge_Voters][https://archive.org/details/cactvmav-What_s_That_About_Say_it_Ain_t_So_Marjorie][https://vimeo.com/945910082]'' Following these revelations, Decker publicly denied the claims, stating on X (formerly Twitter): "The email from Secretary Tepper does not, and never has, reflect my current position or any position I have articulated in the past. The fact is that I have never stated any personal opposition to the closure of Memorial Drive on Saturdays."<ref>{{Cite web |title= |url=https://x.com/MarjorieDecker/status/1684245083304996878}}</ref>

=== Berman Tabacco === Since 2016, Decker has worked for the class action law firm Berman Tabacco, which paid her over $100,000 annually.<ref name=":0" /> Decker has not commented on the nature of the employment since it was revealed through a public records request in 2024,<ref name=":0" /> brushing off criticism about the second job and explaining that she is producing sufficiently for her constituents.[https://commonwealthbeacon.org/politics/in-cambridge-rep-race-a-liberal-showdown/] Decker's opponents have cited the employment as a potential conflict of interest.<ref>{{Cite news |last=MacKay |first=Evan |date=2024-08-24 |title=Challenger for State House seat on 'revelations about Rep. Marjorie Decker's second job' |url=https://www.cambridgeday.com/2024/08/23/challenger-for-state-house-seat-on-revelations-about-rep-marjorie-deckers-second-job/ |access-date=2024-08-24 |website=Cambridge Day |language=en-US}}</ref>

=== Use of campaign funds === In 2024 and 2025, Decker's use of campaign funds drew media scrutiny. In November 2024, ''The Boston Globe'' and other media outlets reported that Decker led a delegation of 11 Massachusetts House members, including House Speaker Ron Mariano, on a trip to Cuba that was billed as focused on biomedical research, health care, humanitarian aid, climate resiliency, and life sciences.<ref name="GlobeCuba">{{cite news |last=Gross |first=Samantha J. |date=November 21, 2024 |title=Mass. lawmakers spend nearly $30,000 in campaign funds on travel agent for health care-focused Cuba trip |url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/2024/11/21/metro/massachusetts-house-cuba-campaign-finance/ |access-date=May 7, 2026 |work=The Boston Globe}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Service |first=Michael P. Norton {{!}} State House News |date=2024-11-15 |title=Group of Mass. legislators head to Cuba for discussions around health care, humanitarian aid |url=https://wbjournal.com/article/group-of-mass-legislators-head-to-cuba-for-discussions-around-health-care-humanitarian-aid/ |access-date=2026-05-07 |website=Worcester Business Journal |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Micek |first=John L. |date=2024-11-14 |title=These Mass. lawmakers are headed to Cuba. Why? |url=https://www.masslive.com/politics/2024/11/these-mass-lawmakers-are-headed-to-cuba-why.html |access-date=2026-05-07 |website=masslive |language=en}}</ref> The ''Globe'' reported that the lawmakers spent $28,566 in campaign funds on Marazul Tours, a New Jersey-based travel agency specializing in travel to Cuba.<ref name="GlobeCuba" />

In February 2025, ''The Harvard Crimson'', citing public campaign finance filings, reported that Decker's campaign spending since joining the House included nearly $11,000 at the University of Massachusetts Club, more than $4,600 on parking tickets, more than $3,400 at Toscano's, a Harvard Square Italian restaurant, more than $4,400 in gifts to colleagues, and a $500 wedding gift that Decker said she later reimbursed after being told it was not an allowable use of campaign funds.<ref name="CrimsonFunds">{{cite news |last=Josephy |first=Matan H. |date=February 28, 2025 |title=Lobbyist Dollars, Italian Lunches: How Harvard’s State Representative Raises and Spends Campaign Funds |url=https://www.thecrimson.com/article/2025/2/28/decker-campaign-funds/ |access-date=May 7, 2026 |work=The Harvard Crimson}}</ref> Decker told the ''Commonwealth Beacon'' and ''Crimson'' that the parking tickets resulted from expiring meters during work events and that she stopped using campaign funds for tickets after Office of Campaign and Political Finance regulations changed to bar the practice.<ref name="CrimsonFunds" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Sullivan |first=Jack |date=2016-04-12 |title=Pols have carte blanche with campaign cash |url=https://commonwealthbeacon.org/politics/pols-have-carte-blanche-with-campaign-cash/ |access-date=2026-05-07 |website=CommonWealth Beacon |language=en-US}}</ref> Massachusetts regulations permit campaign expenditures made to enhance a candidate's political future but prohibit spending that is primarily personal or that acknowledges guilt for a violation of law.<ref>{{cite web |title=970 CMR 2.06: Expenditures by Political Committees |url=https://www.law.cornell.edu/regulations/massachusetts/970-CMR-2-06 |access-date=May 7, 2026 |website=Legal Information Institute |publisher=Cornell Law School}}</ref> Decker defended other expenses as related to meetings with constituents, advocates, staff, interns, and colleagues.<ref name="CrimsonFunds" />

== Personal life == Decker lives with her husband and two children in Cambridge.

== References == {{Reflist}}

== External links == * [https://malegislature.gov/People/Profile/MCD1 Marjorie C. Decker Representative], official page at Massachusetts State Legislature

{{DEFAULTSORT:Decker, Marjorie}} Category:Living people Category:Democratic Party members of the Massachusetts House of Representatives Category:Harvard Kennedy School alumni Category:Women state legislators in Massachusetts Category:Cambridge Rindge and Latin School alumni Category:University of Massachusetts Amherst College of Social and Behavioral Sciences alumni Category:University of Massachusetts Boston alumni Category:Year of birth missing (living people) Category:21st-century American women politicians Category:21st-century members of the Massachusetts General Court