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WHY I'M RUNNING
I am excited to announce that I am running to be our State Representative.
Cities and Towns across Massachusetts are struggling with tighter and tighter budgets which is putting more and more pressure on local services and taxpayers. I think Beacon Hill could benefit from more insight into the struggles facing municipalities. The struggles of declining enrollment in our schools, rising costs, especially for health insurance, and pressure from statewide municipal cost increases. If we want to stabilize municipal budgets we need creative statewide solutions. My experience as a Mayor, and previously as the Town Administrator of a small rural town gives me a unique perspective that is underrepresented in the legislature.
I see the affordability and the housing crisis play out for my constituents every day. More and more people are finding themselves unable to afford bills, rent, and mortgages. I’ve pushed through innovative and strong solutions to these problems. I’ve reduced red tape in City Hall, rethought how we approach economic development, and incentivized housing growth that meets the needs of our residents and fits into the character of our communities, while also investing in our infrastructure and education system. I understand how a strong partnership between the state and our communities can make a big difference and I also understand where the state can place burdens on municipalities that limit our flexibility and impact local taxpayers.
To get at the heart of the issues facing our district and the Commonwealth as a whole, we need people who can bring firsthand experience and solutions. With my experience in town and city government and as a lifelong resident of this area, I am uniquely qualified to serve in this role and will be ready to hit the ground running on day one.




MEET MIKE
Mayor Michael J. Nicholson, Gardner’s first Hispanic/Latin American elected official, is serving his third term with a focus on progress and community growth.
Under his leadership, Gardner has opened its first new elementary school in over 100 years, secured millions in grant funding, and invested more in infrastructure than ever before.
Now, he is running for State Representative for the 2nd Worcester District to bring that same progress to the region as a whole.
STAY UP TO DATE WITH THE LATEST NEWS.
The Gardner News: Nicholson elected president of Massachusetts Mayors Association
Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson has been unanimously elected president of the Massachusetts Mayors’ Association, according to a press release. READ MORE
January, 28th 2025
The Worcester Business Journal: 2024 Power 100
Mike Nicholson, a Gardner native who is the city’s first Latino mayor, has met the problems of blight and economic depression head on. READ MORE
April, 29th 2024
