State Sen. Kelly Dooner swears in

Newly elected State Sen. Kelly Dooner, was sworn Wednesday, Jan. 1, to represent Wareham and the rest of the 3rd Bristol and Plymouth District in the State Legislature.

Dooner, a Republican, is taking over from Democrat Marc Pacheco who served for more than 30 years and chose not to run in the November 2024 election.

A former Taunton City Councilor, Dooner ran a campaign focused on tax cuts, anti-immigration, government transparency and the rising cost of living.

On Wednesday she highlighted making changes to the Right to Shelter law, which provides emergency state-funded housing to needy families, as first on her list once she takes office. The state has capped its shelter capacity at 7,500 families, which includes residents and non-residents, according to Mass.gov.

“The migrant crisis has placed an unprecedented strain on housing, resources, and municipal budgets,” Dooner said. “Amending the Right to Shelter law is my top priority as we work to support our residents—particularly veterans, seniors, and vulnerable families—while addressing these challenges in a way that protects the long-term interests of the Commonwealth.”

In a press release, Dooner said her time in office will prioritize “fostering economic growth, supporting small businesses, and promoting fiscal accountability.”

She concluded Wednesday by pledging "accessibility and transparency” and promising to hold regular office hours to speak with constituents.

“It is a deep privilege to serve the residents of the 3rd Plymouth and Bristol District in the Massachusetts Senate,” Dooner said. “Our challenges are multifaceted—ranging from the growing migrant crisis and rising costs of living to housing shortages and public safety concerns. I am committed to addressing these issues with dedication and care.”