Michelle Badger

Michelle Badger earned a high school diploma from Plymouth South High School, a bachelor's degree from Sweet Briar College in 2006, and a graduate degree from Suffolk University in 2010. Her career experience includes working in higher education administration.[1]

Michelle Badger has not yet completed [the profile publisher]'s 2026 Candidate Connection survey.

If you are Michelle Badger, click here to fill out [the profile publisher]'s 2026 Candidate Connection survey.

Who fills out the candidate survey?

Any candidate running for elected office, at any level, can complete [the profile publisher]'s Candidate Survey. Completing the survey will update the candidate's [the profile publisher] profile, letting voters know who they are and what they stand for.  More than 33,000 candidates have taken [the profile publisher]'s candidate survey since we launched it in 2015. Learn more about the survey here.

Help improve [the profile publisher] - send us candidate contact info.

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Michelle Badger, a Plymouth native and Plymouth South High School alumna, earned her undergraduate degree at Sweet Briar College, and dual master’s degrees in public administration and political science from Suffolk University.

She returned to Plymouth in 2008 and began to get involved in the community and in 2011 ran for School Committee and has now won five town-wide elections for Plymouth School Committee, where she currently serves as Chair. During her tenure Michelle has participated in the construction of two acclaimed high schools, the implementation of a district wide solar plan, full-day kindergarten, improved curriculum offerings to name a few.

Michelle is active in numerous organization including the Plymouth No Place for Hate Committee, Fragment Society, Pilgrim Area Collaborative and co-chairing the Sweet Briar College Alumnae Alliance Council.

Michelle was recognized as a 40 under 40 Award recipient from the Cape & Plymouth Business Media recognizing industry excellence and dynamic leadership. In 2022-2023 she participated inLeadership South Shore program receiving transformative leadership training tackling current issues facing the South Shore.

She currently serves as Vice President of Institutional Advancement at Massasoit Community College and before that worked at Massachusetts Maritime Academy. She is a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE).

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?

Growing up in Plymouth to middle-class parents and experiencing the challenges of student loans, I understand the critical need for affordability. Plymouth must remain accessible for all residents. I will advocate for legislation that expands housing options, keeping our community vibrant and welcoming. Supporting initiatives that address our housing crisis and enable residents of all ages to stay and thrive in their homes and in the community they love. Creative solutions are essential for our community's future.I plan to advocate for resources for schools, seniors, veterans, public safety, the environment, transportation, mental health, and other community needs. All to ensure that our community has the support it needs to continue to be responsive to the needs of the residents.Work with community leaders to foster sustainable economic development in Plymouth.

Plymouth is a vibrant community, and we aim to enhance opportunities for residents to live, work, and enjoy their time here. To achieve this, we need to explore strategies that can bring business/industry into our community and other ways to alleviate the tax burden on homeowners, making the community more accessible and attractive to

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I am passionate about so many topics but education, housing affordability, healthcare, seniors, veterans, public safety, mental health, and so much more.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

The ideal characteristics of an elected official should include a genuine willingness to listen and consider all perspectives on an issue. They should be dedicated to doing their homework, thoroughly understanding the complexities of the matters at hand. Accessibility and honesty are essential traits, ensuring that constituents feel heard and valued. Furthermore, an effective official must possess the courage to stand up for their beliefs and advocate passionately for their community. Above all, a strong work ethic is crucial; they must be diligent and committed to serving the public with integrity and perseverance.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

A state representative has several core responsibilities essential to fulfilling their role for their constituents.

First and foremost is legislation. This involves drafting, proposing, debating, and voting on laws that address the needs and concerns of their district. To be effective, state representatives must understand the issues at hand and advocate for or against specific legislation.

Another critical responsibility is representing their district. A state representative should act as a voice for their constituents, ensuring their needs and interests are addressed. This requires a deep understanding of the issues that matter to their district.

In addition to representation, providing constituent services is vital. Representatives help residents navigate state government, provide information, and resolve issues related to state services and programs. Being accessible is crucial for building strong relationships and trust with constituents.

Community engagement is also essential. Open lines of communication through public events and gatherings—both hosted by the state representative and those organized by the community—help them stay informed about the district's needs and identify areas for advocacy.

Finally, involvement in the budget process is important. State representatives must advocate for funding for programs and services that benefit their district and collaborate with other legislators to ensure effective budget outcomes.

Overall, these responsibilities require dedication, effective communication, and a commitment to serving the needs of the community.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

My first job was at Staples in Plymouth at 16 and I believe I worked for them for 2 years.

What is your favorite book? Why?

Little Women has been my favorite book since I was young.

What do you perceive to be your state's greatest challenges over the next decade?

The ideal relationship between the governor and the state legislature should be collaborative, respectful, cooperative, and open in regards to communication, all of which are vital for effective governance.

Do you believe that it’s beneficial for state legislators to have previous experience in government or politics?

Yes, I believe that having previous experience in government at any level can be highly beneficial for state legislator. A background in government allows for a deeper understanding of the political process, legislative procedures, and the complexities of government from the begining. Taking on a new role always comes with a certain degree of learning but with some background the member will be able to catch on quicker. All of this allows them to navigate the system more effectively and advocate for their constituents with greater confidence.

Having prior experience also provides a deeper understanding about the community they are serve from the issues to the needs of their constituents. It also helps with the building of relationships with other officials, constituents, and advocacy groups. Ultimately, it is important to have a combination of experience, passion, and a commitment to understanding the community to be as efficient and effective as possible.

Do you believe it’s beneficial to build relationships with other legislators? Please explain your answer.

Yes, relationships with other legislators is essential because through relationships is how legislation is passed and how

Is there a particular legislator, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?

Yes, building relationships with other legislators is essential, as these connections are crucial for passing legislation and ensuring that the work of the legislature is accomplished. Strong relationships foster collaboration, facilitate open communication, and enable legislators to unite around shared goals and to find common ground on issues they may not agree on. Relationships are important to move the work of the legislature forward.

Both sitting legislators and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?

I have heard so many stories but one that reminds me of the important of community and why I love Plymouth is from a young boy when I was reading to his class.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen; Heat & Frost Insulators & Allied Workers -Local 6); AFL-CIO; Iron Workers-Local 7; UFCW Local 328; Local UFCW local 791; Run For Something; Laborers' International Union of North America

What committees interest you?

I would be interested in the joint committee on education; joint committee on higher education; joint committee on Housing; joint committee on racial equity, civil rights, and inclusion; joint committee on tourism; joint committee on elder affairs; house committee on global warming. I am interested in serving where my experience can be the most useful.

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

Financial transparency and government accountability are essential to create trust. By keeping financial decisions and the process open and accessible, it helps people to understand why decisions are being made, how their tax dollars are being spent, and to make sure government is held accountable for their actions.

Transparency is essential because it allows citizens to stay informed about budget allocations, expenditures, and the overall financial health of their government. Also being transparent ensures that money is spent responsibly and keeps people engaged in the process. This also can lead to more informed citizens who become more engages and share their input with their representatives. Transparency and accountability build trust and strengthens our democracy when more people are part of the process. It is important for a health society.