Representative Mark D. Sylvia Democrat - 10th Bristol

Representative Mark Sylvia
10th Bristol District

Representative Mark Sylvia is serving in his first term in the Massachusetts House of Representatives, representing the 10th Bristol District, which includes Precincts 1 and 2A of Acushnet, the town of Fairhaven, Ward 1 Precincts A, B, and C1 of New Bedford, as well as the towns of Marion, Mattapoisett, and Rochester, located in Bristol and Plymouth counties.

In the House, Representative Sylvia serves on several key legislative committees. He is a member of the Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources, where he works on legislation related to environmental protection and conservation. He also serves on the Joint Committee on Labor and Workforce Development, which focuses on policies related to workforce development, job creation, and labor issues across the state. Additionally, Mark is a member of the House Committee on Climate Action and Sustainability, where he participates in efforts to combat climate change and promote sustainability. He also serves on the House Committee on Federal Funding, Policy, and Accountability, ensuring the effective use of federal resources in Massachusetts and maintaining accountability for public funding.

Outside of his committee roles, Representative Sylvia is a legislative member of Civil Air Patrol, and he is involved in several caucuses that reflect the diverse interests of his district. He is a member of the Boating Caucus, where he advocates for the interests of the state's boating community, and the Coastal Caucus, working on policies related to coastal protection and climate change. Mark is also part of the Irish American Caucus and the Portuguese Heritage Caucus, both of which celebrate the cultural heritage of many of his constituents. Additionally, he is a member of the Food Security Caucus, focusing on addressing hunger and improving access to food for all residents of Massachusetts. Mark is also a member of the Gateway Cities Caucus, focused on delivering social and economic opportunities for Gateway Cities residents. Furthermore, Representative Sylvia is involved in the National Guard Caucus, advocating for the interests and support of the National Guard in Massachusetts, and the Caucus of Canadian American Legislators, which works to strengthen the relationship between Massachusetts and its Canadian neighbors.

A lifelong resident of Fairhaven, Representative Sylvia brings over 25 years of experience in state and municipal government and the private sector to his role. Prior to his election to the House, Mark spent nearly ten years at BlueWave, a B Corp/Public Benefit Corporation and clean energy company, where he served as Chief of Staff. Before joining BlueWave, he served in the Patrick/Murray Administration, initially as the first Green Communities Director followed by Commissioner of the Department of Energy Resources, and Undersecretary for Energy, where he implemented policies on energy efficiency, renewable energy, and alternative transportation. He chaired the Energy Facilities Siting Board and served as a commissioner on the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative. 

Mark began his career serving the citizens of Plymouth in various roles, including Assistant Town Manager and Town Manager. During his tenure in Plymouth, he negotiated a major tax agreement with the nuclear power plant operator, achieved an upgrade in the town’s bond rating, and led the development of a technology master plan for the town and schools. His work also contributed to a $199 million-dollar public vote for school renovations and a new senior center.

Mark holds a bachelor’s degree in political science and a master’s degree in public administration from American University in Washington, D.C. He is a proud graduate of Fairhaven Public Schools and has served in multiple local offices, including Town Meeting Member, School Committee, and currently as the elected Town Moderator. He lives in Fairhaven with his son and daughter.

Through his work on these committees and caucuses, Representative Sylvia is dedicated to advocating for policies that benefit his constituents and foster a more sustainable, equitable future for the Commonwealth.