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2026 State House Fifth Barnstable District

The Massachusetts House of Representatives comprises 160 members, each representing a district of approximately 40,000 people and elected to a two-year term with no term limits. As required by the Massachusetts Constitution, the House meets year-round in either formal or informal sessions to consider statewide legislation. The Massachusetts House is led by the Speaker of the House, who is elected by the members of the body at the beginning of each two-year legislative session.

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    Steven G. Xiarhos
    (Rep)

Biographical Information

What legislation would you support to address the rising costs-of-living for any of the following: housing, childcare, transportation, utilities and groceries?

Discuss your thoughts on how to best balance energy affordability with the state’s clean energy goals.

How do you propose to make health care more affordable in Massachusetts?

How can the state increase funding to municipalities that have difficulties providing basic needs without Proposition 2 ½ overrides?

How would you propose to ensure the security and independence of state elections in the face of possible interference by federal agents and activists?

How do you plan to protect the legal rights and safety of immigrants and their families?

Campaign Phone 508-534-8752
Campaign/Contact Email contact@xiarhosforrep.com
I believe strongly that reducing the high cost of living in Massachusetts must be a top priority. We need to make Massachusetts a place where working families can afford to live, work, and raise their families.

That requires responsible state government, including smart spending, efficient operations, and keeping taxes as low as possible. We also need an environment where businesses, especially small businesses, can succeed.

This session, I filed legislation (H.316) to establish a Committee on Massachusetts Business Competitiveness and Affordable Living to review policies affecting affordability, including housing, health care, transportation, education, and other costs facing families.

We must make Massachusetts more affordable.
One of my main concerns as a State Representative has been ensuring that Massachusetts can pursue its clean energy goals while remaining mindful of community needs, including public health, safety, affordability, and environmental protection.

This is an important issue on Cape Cod, where several offshore wind projects are proposed or under development. While these projects may provide important sources of renewable energy, we must also carefully consider the impacts of bringing that power onshore, including the infrastructure required and the effects on the communities where it is located.

Clean energy projects should not come at the expense of the health, safety, financial stability, or environmental well-being of the community.
As outlined above, I have called for an ongoing review of our state statutes and regulations to promote greater affordability and ensure government policies are working for the people of Massachusetts. Making health care more affordable for working families remains a top priority.

We are fortunate to have some of the finest hospitals and health care providers in the world right here in Massachusetts. However, too many residents continue to face challenges accessing that care because of rising costs.

We must do everything we can to improve affordability, reduce unnecessary barriers, and ensure that high-quality health care remains accessible to everyone while being delivered in a responsible and cost-effective manner.
Our state plays a vital role in supporting local government by providing financial assistance that helps reduce pressure on the local property tax base while allowing communities to provide essential services. I have consistently supported robust Local Aid, including fully funding Chapter 70 education aid and unrestricted municipal aid, and I believe we should continue finding ways to increase direct support for our cities and towns.

The state and federal governments also have a responsibility to help fund major infrastructure projects that provide regional and national benefits. The replacement of the Cape Cod Canal bridges is a perfect example. These projects should not place an unfair burden on local taxpayers.
We are blessed to live in a country with a democratic system of government that respects individual rights and freedoms. Preserving that system requires elections that are free, fair, and secure.

Protecting the integrity of the ballot is essential at every level. That includes ensuring that only United States citizens are permitted to vote, that every eligible voter has the opportunity to cast a ballot, and that every lawful vote is accurately safeguarded and counted.

I have full faith and confidence in our local town clerks and election officials. We must continue reviewing and strengthening our election system to protect against fraud, abuse, or interference and maintain public confidence in our democratic process.
As a former police officer, I have confidence in our law enforcement officers and judicial system to protect the rights and safety of immigrants and their families. That is an important responsibility of government.

I believe there is a clear distinction between legal and illegal immigration. Everyone deserves humane treatment and respect for their rights under the law, but we should not provide special privileges to those who are here unlawfully.

I oppose policies that would make Massachusetts a so-called “sanctuary state.” We need secure borders, consistent enforcement of immigration laws, and policies that respect the rule of law and those who follow the legal process.