Francis T. Crimmins Jr.

Francis T. Crimmins Jr. earned a bachelor's degree from Harvard College in 1977. He earned a law degree from Suffolk University Law School in 1981. His career experience includes working as an attorney.[1]

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Campaign websiteCrimmins' campaign website stated the following:WHY FRANK?EXPERIENCE BEFORE POLITICSFrank spent 17½ years on the Massachusetts District Court bench, including service as First Justice of the Stoughton District Court and in the District Court Appellate Division.He knows the qualifications, temperament, integrity, and judgment required of the men and women entrusted with judicial authority.PUBLIC SAFETY FIRSTJudicial appointments have real consequences.Frank understands how decisions made in Massachusetts courtrooms affect victims, defendants, families, law enforcement officers, and communities.He will evaluate nominees with public safety, fairness, constitutional rights, and respect for the law firmly in mind.INDEPENDENT OVERSIGHTThe Governor’s Council should be a check, not a rubber stamp.Frank will ask tough questions, examine qualifications, and make independent decisions based on facts, experience, character, and the public interest.— Francis T. Crimmins Jr.'s campaign website (August 28, 2026)Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Francis T. Crimmins, Jr. is a lifelong resident of Stoughton, Massachusetts where he and his wife, Joanne Crimmins, raised their four kids: Melissa, Thomas, William, and Sean.

In 1977, Crimmins graduated from Harvard College. In 1981, he earned his J.D. from Suffolk University Law School. Crimmins has an legal background spanning over 40 years in Massachusetts. In 1992, Crimmins was appointed by Governor Weld as an Associate Justice in the District Court Department of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Trial Court. At 36 years of age, he was one of the youngest judges in the Commonwealth. From 1997 to 2001, Crimmins was an Associate Justice in the Appellate Division District Court of the Commonwealth. From 2001 to 2010, Crimmins was the First Justice of the Stoughton Division of the District Court Department of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Trial Court.

In 2010, Crimmins was appointed town Town Manager of Stoughton, a position he served in for two years.. Subsequent to serving as town manager, he returned to private practice at Ab Initio Elder Law Solutions, LLC where he is the Managing Member and Principal attorney. From 2014 to 2018, Crimmins was also Avon Town Administrator. Presently, Crimmins engages in the full-time practice of law at Ab Initio in Stoughton, MA. Most recently he was appointed Chairman of the State Ballot Law Commission by Governor Charlie Baker, serving in that role before announcing his candidacy for Governor's Council.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Experience:

Crimmins is the only candidate running for Governor's Council who has experience on the Bench, in municipal government, and in private practice. He can bring a unique perspective to the advisory body that incorporates his judicial, municipal and legal experience to fully vet potential gubernatorial appointments.Accountability:

Crimmins has a proven track record of delivering for his constituents. Whether in town government, in private practice or on the Bench, he always pulls through for those who are counting on him.Active voice:

Crimmins won't just be a rubber stamp. He will actively and effectively vet gubernatorial appointments to make sure that they uphold the values of the Commonwealth.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Crimmins holds immense respect for both the Federal and State Constitutions and the power of the courts within the Commonwealth. As such, he believes each person is entitled to a just remedy in court. Crimmins intends to make a great contribution to the Commonwealth as member of the Governor’s Council by instilling confidence back into the decisions rendered by authorities within the legal system.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

I feel I am qualified for this position and its inherent challenges as I have been a Member of the Massachusetts Bar an Attorney since 1981, having been admitted to the Massachusetts Bar in 1981 having graduated from Suffolk University Law School that same year, and having previously graduated from Harvard University in 1977 with a A.B. degree, cum laude. In 1992, I was appointed an Associate Justice of the District Court Department of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and in 2001, I was appointed First Justice of the Stoughton District Court until 2010 when I left the Bench to return to the private practice of law. Presently, I have a full-time Estate Planning and Elder Law practice in Stoughton MA, where I also reside with my wife and family, as principal attorney at Ab Initio Elder Law Solutions LLC.

Do you believe that it's beneficial for holders of this office to have previous experience in government or politics?

It is imperative that effective Governor's Councillors have experience in the legal system. With over four decades of legal experience and the unique perspective of a former judge within the Commonwealth, Crimmins has the capabilities to assess the qualities needed in the best nominees for Judges, Clerk Magistrates, Parole Board members, Appellate Tax Board members, DIA Board members, public administrators, Notaries, and Justices of the Peace.