Michael Anthony Fenton

Michael Fenton earned a high school diploma from Cathedral High School; a bachelor's degree from Providence College in 2009; and both a master's degree in business administration and a law degree from Western New England University in 2012. His career experience includes working as a lawyer.[1][2]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I’m Michael A. Fenton, an attorney, city councilor, and lifelong public servant running for Governor’s Council in the 8th District because Western Massachusetts deserves a strong voice in the selection of judges and other key officials.

As a lawyer and elected official, I’ve seen firsthand how important our courts are to families, businesses, victims, and communities. I’m running because I believe the Governor’s Council should focus on the qualifications, experience, integrity, and temperament of nominees—not partisan politics.

I’m proud to be a Western Massachusetts candidate who understands the challenges facing our region, including the shortage of judges and the need to ensure our courts can deliver justice efficiently and fairly. If elected, I’ll bring an independent voice, legal experience, and a commitment to working constructively with Governor Healey and the other members of the Council.

Most importantly, I’m running to make sure Western Massachusetts has a Governor’s Councilor who will listen to our communities, take the responsibilities of the office seriously, and put the public interest first.

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?

Qualified. Experienced.

The Governor’s Council has an enormous responsibility: helping select judges who will shape our justice system for decades. I’m running because this job requires someone who understands the law and the courts. As an attorney and elected official, I bring firsthand knowledge of our justice system and the challenges facing Western Massachusetts. I will evaluate every nominee on qualifications, experience, integrity, temperament, and commitment to equal justice. This office should be about finding the best people to serve on the bench—not playing politics.Western Mass Deserves a Voice.

Western Massachusetts deserves a Governor’s Councilor who understands our communities and will fight for our region. Our courts face real challenges, including judicial vacancies, backlogs, and the need to ensure that people across Western Massachusetts have timely access to justice. I will make sure our region’s needs are heard when judicial appointments are considered. I’ll bring a Western Massachusetts perspective to the Council and work to ensure that our judiciary reflects the diversity, experiences, and needs of the people it serves.I'll be a proactive Councilor. I won't play political games. The Governor’s Council should work with Governor Healey to ensure Massachusetts has the strongest possible judiciary. The Council has an important constitutional role: carefully and independently reviewing nominees. But that responsibility should never become an excuse for political obstruction. I will bring an independent voice to the Council while recognizing that good government requires working together. I’ll stand up for progressive values, protect the integrity of our courts, and work constructively with the Governor, fellow Councilors, attorneys, and communities across Western Massachusetts to get the best-qualified people onto the bench.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I am passionate about equal access to justice, a strong and independent judiciary, and making government work for everyone. As an attorney and elected official, I have seen how much people depend on our courts to resolve disputes fairly, protect their rights, and keep our communities safe. I am particularly focused on addressing judicial vacancies and court backlogs so that justice is not delayed simply because our courts lack the resources and judges they need. I also care deeply about progressive values, public safety, civil rights, and ensuring that Western Massachusetts has a meaningful voice in state government.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Berkshire DA Tim Shugrue

Berkshire Sheriff Tom Bowler

Clerk of Courts Lisa Denault-Viale

Hampden DA Anthony Gulluni

Hampden Sheriff Nick Cocchi

Clerk of Courts Laura Gentile

Register of Deeds Cheryl Coakley-Rivera

Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno

West Springfield Mayor Will Reichelt

Chicopee Mayor John Vieau

Former Judge and Gov. Councilor Mary Hurley

Carpenters' Local 336

Construction Laborers' Union Local 999

MA & Northern NE Laborers' District Council

Iron Workers Union Local 7

Springfield Firefighters 'Union Local 648

Springfield Patrolmen's Union Local 364

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