Cindy Friedman, the former chief of staff for the Late Senator Ken Donnelly was sworn in as the State Senator from the Fourth Middlesex District. She won the special election for the seat that became vacant after the death of Senator Donnelly. 

The family of Ken Donnelly endorsed Cindy. As she was sworn in, Sen. Friedman felt emotional as she recognized why the seat felt vacant. For the last nine years, Cindy Friedman has been the late Senator Ken Donnelly’s Chief of Staff, helping to shape and supporting Ken’s vision to improve the lives of all Massachusetts residents, especially those who are most vulnerable and without a voice.

We wish Cindy Friedman the very best of luck as she takes on this important role. 

About Cindy Friedman

Cindy’s first passion was education. With a Bachelor’s degree in education from Roger Williams University and a Master’s degree in special education from Lesley University, Cindy spent several years working as a teacher at the kindergarten and elementary school levels. It was there that Cindy learned first-hand the obstacles facing public schools and the role that government can play to enhance our education system for students, teachers and parents.

Community Activist

In 1980, Cindy moved to Arlington and started a family.  There, she found a welcoming community and established deep roots.  Over the next three decades, she invested considerable time and energy to help sustain this community, becoming increasingly involved in Arlington’s civic life – serving as a long-time Town Meeting Member; a founding member of SPOT (Schools are a Priority in Our Town); co-founder of Arlington Education Foundation; member of the Symmes Advisory Committee and chair of the Symmes Advisory Committee community outreach sub-committee; and Chair of the Arlington No Place for Hate Committee.

Cindy participated in and led numerous local Arlington political campaigns. On the state level, she co-chaired Ken Donnelly’s senate campaign, led Deval Patrick’s campaign in Arlington, and managed Don Berwick’s statewide campaign for governor.

Cindy lived in Arlington for 32 years until family circumstances necessitated a move to the Fresh Pond area of Cambridge. She has since returned and lives in Arlington Center with her husband of 35 years, John Page. They have three children who attended Arlington Public Schools, and two grandchildren. When Cindy is not engaged in political work, she is often found with her large group of friends or working in her perennial garden.