The son of immigrant Lawrencians who dedicated decades to the LPS system, State Senator Pavel Payano learned from a very young age the importance of hard work and the value of a quality education. He also witnessed, by way of strong unions, that communal success is possible when we share a commitment to serving others.

He takes those values with him as he represents the First Essex District which includes the communities of Methuen, Lawrence, and parts of Haverhill. Prior to his election to the State Senate, Senator Payano served the city of Lawrence for over a decade, first as a School Committee member and most recently as a City Councilor At- Large.  He has experience working as a Social Worker for the Department of Transitional Assistance and as a Professor at Merrimack College, where he taught graduate classes. Senator Payano is committed to advancing policies that support education reform, public health, and community development.

Senator Payano received a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from UMass Amherst, a Master’s in Public Affairs from UMass Boston, and a J.D. from Suffolk University Law School. He lives in Lawrence with his dog, Teja