> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.newbostonpost.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # 5 Things To Know About 19-Year-Old Massachusetts State Rep-Elect Daniel Darris-O'Connor's Political Views - URL: https://www.newbostonpost.com/daniel-darris-oconnor-political-views-massachusetts/ - Published: 2026-11-06T16:57:53.000Z - Updated: 2026-11-06T16:57:53.000Z - Description: Daniel Darris-O'Connor, 19, defeated Republican Marc Lombardo in Billerica. Here are five of his views on abortion, LGBT rights, gun control and more. - Author: Abigail Hawthorne A 19-year-old Democrat will soon represent Billerica in the Massachusetts House of Representatives. Daniel Darris-O'Connor defeated eight-term Republican state Rep. Marc Lombardo in the November 3 election. Darris-O'Connor graduated from Billerica Memorial High School in 2025\. He will turn 20 the day before he takes office in January. The young Democrat has taken positions on several social and political issues. Here are five of his views. ## 1\. Abortion Rights Darris-O'Connor supports keeping abortion legal in Massachusetts. His [campaign website](https://www.danieldarrisoconnor.com/issues/protecting-your-fundamental-rights?ref=newbostonpost.com) says he supports abortion rights and opposes government involvement in personal medical decisions. "I also believe deeply personal medical decisions should remain between individuals and their doctors, not politicians," he wrote. Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey signed a law in August that removes the state's previous restrictions on abortions after 24 weeks of pregnancy. The [law](https://malegislature.gov/Laws/SessionLaws/Acts/2026/Chapter188?ref=newbostonpost.com), which takes effect November 8, allows physicians to perform abortions after 24 weeks based on their professional judgment. It contains no specific gestational cutoff. ## 2\. LGBT Rights Darris-O'Connor supports laws protecting people from discrimination based on sexual orientation. His [campaign platform](https://www.danieldarrisoconnor.com/issues/protecting-your-fundamental-rights?ref=newbostonpost.com) calls for equal treatment under the law regardless of whom someone loves. "No one should face discrimination because of who they are, who they love, how they worship, where they come from, or the personal decisions they make about their own lives and healthcare," he wrote. He also supports protecting personal medical decisions from government interference. His platform emphasizes civil rights and legal protections against discrimination. ## 3\. Gun Control Darris-O'Connor has received recognition from a national gun control organization. He received the "Gun Sense Candidate" distinction from Moms Demand Action and Everytown for Gun Safety. His [campaign website](https://www.danieldarrisoconnor.com/volunteer?ref=newbostonpost.com) lists the distinction among his endorsements and recognitions. The organization gives the designation to candidates who demonstrate support for its approach to gun safety. Moms Demand Action supports expanded background checks and restrictions on certain firearms. The group also opposes efforts to weaken existing gun restrictions. The designation is separate from a formal endorsement. ## 4\. Same-Day Voter Registration Darris-O'Connor supports allowing Massachusetts residents to register to vote on Election Day. His [campaign biography](https://www.danieldarrisoconnor.com/about?ref=newbostonpost.com) says he backed a ballot initiative to establish same-day voter registration. Massachusetts currently requires eligible residents to register before Election Day. Same-day voter registration would allow eligible residents to register and vote on the same day. Darris-O'Connor also supports changing how Massachusetts draws its legislative districts. His [government reform plan](https://www.danieldarrisoconnor.com/issues/government-reform-transparency?ref=newbostonpost.com) calls for independent redistricting instead of allowing state lawmakers to draw their own districts. ## 5\. Reducing Natural Gas Reliance Darris-O'Connor supports moving Massachusetts away from investing in new natural gas infrastructure. The environmental group [Clean Water Action](https://cleanwater.org/clean-water-voter-2026-massachusetts-endorsements-and-election-updates?ref=newbostonpost.com) endorsed his campaign. The group says Darris-O'Connor supports shifting resources away from new natural gas infrastructure and toward electrification and electric grid upgrades. He also supports expanding access to clean energy for low-income and middle-income households. His [energy platform](https://www.danieldarrisoconnor.com/issues?ref=newbostonpost.com) calls for changes to the Mass Save program and stronger oversight of utility companies. Darris-O'Connor wants to make it easier for renters and working families to participate in energy-saving programs. He also supports allowing more towns to negotiate electricity rates through municipal aggregation. Darris-O'Connor will represent the 22nd Middlesex District when the new legislative session begins in January 2027.