Eric Lesser

Lesser grew up in Longmeadow, Massachusetts, and graduated from Longmeadow High School. While in high school, Lesser worked with students, parents, and teachers to increase school funding and prevent lay offs.{{cite news|last=Szafranski|first=Matt|date=August 25, 2014|title=From Seeds Sown in Override Battle, a Lesser Outlook Was Born…|newspaper=Western Mass Politics & Insight|url=https://www.wmasspi.com/2014/08/from-seeds-sown-in-override-battle-a-lesser-outlook-was-born.html}} He also worked for Congressman Richard Neal and Senator Ted Kennedy.{{cite news|last=Flynn|first=Jack|title=Longmeadow High School graduate Eric Lesser readies to join Barack Obama's White House team|url=http://www.masslive.com/news/index.ssf/2009/01/longmeadow_high_school_graduat.html|access-date=February 12, 2014|newspaper=The Republican|date=January 14, 2009}} Lesser was an active member of Sinai Temple, coordinating volunteer activities for high school students, and an active volunteer with the Longmeadow Democratic Town Committee.{{cite news|last=Schoenberg|first=Shira|title=Longmeadow native Eric Lesser celebrates Passover seders with President Obama|url=http://www.masslive.com/politics/index.ssf/2013/03/longmeadow_native_eric_lesser.html|access-date=February 12, 2014|newspaper=The Republican|date=March 25, 2013}}

Lesser's father, Martin, is a family doctor in Holyoke, Massachusetts. His father is a member of the Massachusetts National Guard and in 2010, served a tour of duty in Iraq.{{cite news|last=DeForge|first=Jeanette|title=Longmeadow doctor Martin Lesser, 58, to leave for Iraq with Army National Guard|url=http://www.masslive.com/news/index.ssf/2010/10/longmeadow_doctor_martin_lesse.html|access-date=February 12, 2014|newspaper=The Republican|date=October 13, 2010}} Lesser's mother, Joan, is a social worker in Holyoke.{{cite web|title=Dr. Joan G. Lesser, PHD|url=http://www.healthgrades.com/provider/joan-lesser-2kpn4|work=Health Grades|access-date=February 12, 2014}}

After high school, Lesser received his bachelor's degree in government from Harvard College. While in college, Lesser worked on Deval Patrick's gubernatorial campaign. He led the Harvard College Democrats{{cite web|title=Eric Lesser|url=http://blogs.rj.org/rac/1961/02/14/eric-lesser/|work=Religious Action Center|access-date=February 12, 2014}} and a policy group on Congressional Redistricting Reform. At Harvard University's Institute of Politics, he started a public policy research program.{{cite news|last=Flynn|first=Anne-Gerard|title=White House's Eric Lesser to speak April 3 at Sinai Temple|url=http://www.masslive.com/news/index.ssf/2011/03/white_houses_eric_lesser_to_sp.html|access-date=February 12, 2014|newspaper=The Republican|date=March 25, 2011}}

Lesser returned to Harvard after his work on Barack Obama's 2008 presidential campaign and in the Obama White House. He received his J.D. from Harvard Law School, where Business Insider named Lesser one of the "most impressive Harvard Law students."{{cite news|last=Stanger|first=Melissa|title=18 Incredibly Impressive Students At Harvard Law School|url=http://www.businessinsider.com/most-impressive-harvard-law-students-2013-10|access-date=February 12, 2014|newspaper=Business Insider|date=October 10, 2013}}

{{main|Barack Obama 2008 presidential campaign}}After college, Lesser joined Barack Obama's 2008 presidential campaign, helping stage events in New Hampshire.{{cite news|last=Migeed|first=Ryan|title=Eric Lesser: Government major to White House|url=http://www.masslive.com/living/index.ssf/2011/07/eric_lesser_government_major_to_white_house.html|access-date=February 12, 2014|newspaper=UNlisted|date=July 18, 2011}} Following Obama's near victory in the New Hampshire Democratic primary,{{Cite web|url=https://www.dailykos.com/story/2008/1/11/435330/-|title=Clearing it up: Who was the first woman to win?|website=Daily Kos}} Lesser was tapped to be the campaign's "Ground Logistics Coordinator." In that position, he traveled with then-Senator Obama to 47 states and six countries—over 200,000 miles in total.{{cite news|last=Kiely|first=Kathy|title=Dedicated team racks up hours, miles|url=http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/news/politics/election2008/2008-10-19-campaignsprint-obama_N.htm|access-date=February 12, 2014|newspaper=USA Today|date=October 20, 2008}}{{cite news|last=Malcolm|first=Andrew|title=A Ticket campaign diary: A day on the trail with Barack Obama|url=http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/washington/2008/11/obama-mehta.html|access-date=February 12, 2014|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|date=November 4, 2008}} Lesser created a luggage-management system that earned him the trust of the campaign team, the traveling press, and his future boss, Obama advisor David Axelrod. Reflecting on Lesser's logistical prowess, President Obama said, "Eric Lesser may be running a Fortune 500 company one day," adding "we are lucky to have such a smart and committed young man as part of our team."

During a campaign stop in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, Lesser organized an impromptu Passover Seder. When Obama arrived, he promised: "Next year in the White House."{{cite news|last=Franke-Ruta|first=Garance|title=A Low-Key, High Profile Seder|url=http://voices.washingtonpost.com/44/2009/04/10/a_low-key_high_profile_seder.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222233201/http://voices.washingtonpost.com/44/2009/04/10/a_low-key_high_profile_seder.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=February 22, 2014|access-date=February 12, 2014|newspaper=The Washington Post|date=April 10, 2009}}

{{main|Presidency of Barack Obama}}

When the campaign ended, the Senior Advisor to President Obama, David Axelrod, tapped Lesser to serve as his Special Assistant. For two years, Lesser shared a wall with the Oval Office.{{cite news|last=Parker|first=Ashley|title=And Now, Starring in the West Wing: Ax & Lesser|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/14/fashion/14lesser.html|access-date=February 12, 2014|newspaper=The New York Times|date=June 12, 2009}}{{cite news|last=Dowd|first=Maureen|title=No Axe to Grind|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/30/opinion/30dowd.html|access-date=February 12, 2014|newspaper=The New York Times|date=January 29, 2011}} The Washington Post described Lesser as a "wunderkind," and the New York Times called him a "West Wing mascot."{{cite news|last=Cillizza|first=Chris|date=February 9, 2011|title=Eric Lesser moves on|newspaper=The Washington Post|url=http://voices.washingtonpost.com/thefix/morning-fix/laying-out-the-cpac-stakes.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120608145545/http://voices.washingtonpost.com/thefix/morning-fix/laying-out-the-cpac-stakes.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=June 8, 2012|access-date=February 12, 2014}}{{cite news|last=Parker|first=Ashley|title=All the Obama 20-Somethings|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/02/magazine/02obamastaff-t.html?pagewanted=all|access-date=February 12, 2014|newspaper=The New York Times|date=April 29, 2010}} In 2011, Lesser became the Director of Strategic Planning at the Council of Economic Advisers. In the White House unit charged with offering the President objective economic advice, Lesser coordinated the communications strategy behind the economic recovery and historic job creation of the Obama administration.{{cite news|title=Cries & Whispers: Josh Simpson, Eric Lesser, Jose Tosado, Denise Hurst, Richard Cohen, Sister Joyce Wise, Chris Breen and more|url=http://blog.masslive.com/criesandwhispers/2011/02/cries_whispers_eric_lesser_wil.html|access-date=February 12, 2014|newspaper=The Republican|date=February 15, 2011}}{{cite news|last=Reeve|first=Elspeth|title=Meet the Media's Favorite Departing White House Aide|url=http://www.thewire.com/politics/2011/06/eric-lesser-white-house/38938/|access-date=February 12, 2014|newspaper=The Wire|date=June 17, 2011|archive-date=February 23, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140223133459/http://www.thewire.com/politics/2011/06/eric-lesser-white-house/38938/|url-status=dead}}

{{main|White House Passover Seder}}

2011 [[White House Passover Seder|thumb|right|250px]]

Lesser was a chief organizer of the first presidential Seder in American history.{{cite web|last=Gibbs|first=Robert|date=April 9, 2009|title=PRESS BRIEFING BY PRESS SECRETARY ROBERT GIBBS|url=https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/the-press-office/briefing-white-house-press-secretary-robert-gibbs-4909|access-date=February 12, 2014|work=whitehouse.gov|via=National Archives}}{{cite news|last=Zeleny|first=Jeff|date=April 9, 2009|title=Obama Hosts Seder Dinner at White House|newspaper=The New York Times|url=http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/04/09/obama-to-host-seder-dinner/|access-date=February 12, 2014}} The annual White House Passover Seder was attended by President Barack Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama, and their daughters.{{cite news|title=Seder at the White House|url=http://blog.masslive.com/criesandwhispers/2009/04/seder_at_the_white_house.html|access-date=February 12, 2014|newspaper=The Republican|date=April 26, 2009}}{{cite news|last=Ferst|first=Devra|title=How Is the White House Seder Different From All Others?|url=http://forward.com/articles/173508/how-is-the-white-house-seder-different-from-all-ot|access-date=February 12, 2014|newspaper=The Jewish Daily Forward|date=March 21, 2013}}{{cite news|last=Lesser|first=Joan|title=Lesser Family Carrot Souffle|url=http://blogs.forward.com/the-jew-and-the-carrot/173398/lesser-family-carrot-souffle/|access-date=February 12, 2014|newspaper=The Jewish Daily Forward|date=March 21, 2013}} The Seder is a reunion of the original group who met in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania during the 2008 campaign.{{cite news|last=Kantor|first=Jodi|title=Next Year in the White House: A Seder Tradition|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/28/us/politics/28seder.html|access-date=February 12, 2014|newspaper=The New York Times|date=March 27, 2010}}{{cite news|last=Eilperin|first=Juliet|title=Obama takes a Passover tradition kindled on the 2008 campaign trail to heart|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/style/obama-takes-a-passover-tradition-kindled-on-the-2008-campaign-trail-to-heart/2013/03/24/ef7f8906-931b-11e2-ba5b-550c7abf6384_story.html|access-date=February 12, 2014|newspaper=The Washington Post|date=March 24, 2013}}

On February 3, 2014, The Republican newspaper reported that Lesser was considering a bid for the First Hampden & Hampshire seat in the Massachusetts State Senate that was recently vacated by Sen. Gale Candaras.{{cite news|last=Schoenberg|first=Shira|title=Eric Lesser, former White House staffer from Longmeadow, considering state Senate run|url=http://www.masslive.com/politics/index.ssf/2014/02/eric_lesser_former_white_house.html|access-date=February 17, 2014|newspaper=The Republican|date=February 3, 2014}} On February 18, 2014, Lesser announced his candidacy for Massachusetts State Senate.{{cite news|last=Schoenberg|first=Shira|title=Eric Lesser, former White House aide, to run for Massachusetts State Senate from Longmeadow|url=http://www.masslive.com/politics/index.ssf/2014/02/eric_lesser_former_white_house_1.html|access-date=February 18, 2014|newspaper=The Republican|date=February 18, 2014}} On September 9, Lesser won the five-way Democratic primary.{{cite news|last=Goonan|first=Peter|title=Eric Lesser edges Tim Allen in 1st Hampden-Hampshire District state Senate Democratic primary|url=http://www.masslive.com/politics/index.ssf/2014/09/eric_lesser_declared_winner_by.html|access-date= September 10, 2014|newspaper=The Republican|date=September 10, 2014}} On November 4, Lesser defeated Republican Debra Boronski and America First candidate Mike Franco to win the State Senate seat.{{cite news|last=Goonan|first=Peter|title=Eric Lesser claims victory over Debra Boronski in 1st Hampden-Hampshire Senate District|url=http://www.masslive.com/politics/index.ssf/2014/11/eric_lesser_claims_victory_debra_boronski_1st_hampden_hampshire_massachusetts_senate.html|access-date= November 5, 2014|newspaper=The Republican|date= November 9, 2014}}

File:Lesser campaign event with U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren, others.jpg.{{Cite web|last=Goudreau|first=Chris|date=2016-10-27|title=Warren visits East Longmeadow to stump for Lesser|url=https://www.thereminder.com/localnews/eastlongmeadow/elizabethwarrenericlesser/|access-date=2021-12-17|website=Reminder Publications|language=en}}]]

Lesser launched his reelection bid in September 2016 after an uncontested Democratic primary.{{Cite news|url=http://www.masslive.com/news/index.ssf/2016/09/state_sen_eric_lesser_launches.html|title=State Sen. Eric Lesser launches re-election campaign, pledges to advocate for Western Mass.|newspaper=masslive.com|access-date=January 13, 2017}} On November 8, 2016, Lesser defeated James "Chip" Harrington, earning 56 percent of the vote to Harrington's 44 percent.{{Cite news|url=http://www.masslive.com/politics/index.ssf/2016/11/2016_massachusetts_general_ele.html|title=2016 Massachusetts General Election results for president, ballot questions, senate, sheriff and more|newspaper=masslive.com|access-date=January 13, 2017}} During the campaign, Lesser attracted a series of high-profile endorsements, including both U.S. Senators from Massachusetts, Elizabeth Warren and Ed Markey; U.S. Representatives Richard Neal, Joe Kennedy III, and Seth Moulton; former Massachusetts Governor Michael Dukakis; and Springfield, Massachusetts mayor Domenic Sarno.{{Cite web|url=http://wwlp.com/2016/11/08/senator-eric-lesser-claiming-victory-in-re-election-bid-for-1st-hampden-and-hampshire-seat/|title=Senator Eric Lesser claiming victory in re-election bid for 1st Hampden and Hampshire seat|last=Fay|first=Anthony|date=November 9, 2016|website=WWLP.com|access-date=January 13, 2017}}{{Cite news|url=http://www.masslive.com/news/index.ssf/2016/10/elizabeth_warren_seth_moulton.html|title=Elizabeth Warren, Seth Moulton campaign for State Sen. Eric Lesser|newspaper=masslive.com|access-date=January 13, 2017}} Notably, Lesser earned the endorsement of his former boss, President Barack Obama, who only endorsed 161 candidates nationwide that year.{{Cite web|title=Eric Lesser|url=https://ballotpedia.org/Eric_Lesser|access-date=2021-12-16|website=Ballotpedia|language=en}} That year, Obama endorsed no other candidate in Massachusetts. Lesser was sworn in for a second term in the Massachusetts State Senate on January 4, 2017.{{Cite news|url=http://www.masslive.com/politics/index.ssf/2017/01/longmeadows_eric_lesser_sworn.html|title=Longmeadow's Eric Lesser sworn in for second state Senate term|newspaper=masslive.com|access-date=January 13, 2017}}

Lesser won his third and fourth elections to the Massachusetts State Senate in 2018 and 2020, running uncontested each time in the Democratic primary and general election.{{Cite web|url=https://ballotpedia.org/Massachusetts_State_Senate_elections,_2018|title=Massachusetts State Senate elections, 2018|website=Ballotpedia|language=en|access-date=2019-06-12}}

{{Main|2022 Massachusetts gubernatorial election#Lieutenant governor}}

In January 2022, Lesser announced his campaign for lieutenant governor of Massachusetts.{{cite web |last1=Kuznitz |first1=Alison |title=Massachusetts state Sen. Eric Lesser is running for lieutenant governor |url=https://www.masslive.com/politics/2022/01/massachusetts-state-sen-eric-lesser-launches-campaign-for-lieutenant-governor.html |website=MassLive |publisher=Advance Local Media |access-date=9 August 2022 |language=en |date=4 January 2022}} If elected, he would be the first Jewish person and the first millennial to be lieutenant governor or governor in Massachusetts. He would also be the first Democrat from western Massachusetts to serve in the role since 1853.{{cite web |last1=Deutch |first1=Gabby |title=The 'Seder Guy' attempting a leap to the LG's office |url=https://jewishinsider.com/2022/01/eric-lesser-massachusetts-lieutenant-governor/ |website=Jewish Insider |access-date=9 August 2022 |date=24 January 2022}}

Lesser believes that a high-speed rail line between Pittsfield and Boston would increase employment and boost the economy in Western Massachusetts.{{cite web|last1=Lesser |first1=Eric |title=High Speed Rail Will Pay Dividends for Western Mass |url=http://www.ericlesser.com/issues/high-speed-rail-will-pay-dividends-western-mass |website=ericlesser.com |access-date=June 18, 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140725010448/http://www.ericlesser.com/issues/high-speed-rail-will-pay-dividends-western-mass |archive-date=July 25, 2014 }} In his first month in office, Lesser filed a bill that would require a report of the costs and benefits of building higher-speed rail across the state. The State Senate passed Lesser's feasibility study unanimously, 39–0, and the State House of Representatives later passed the measure.{{Cite web|title=Sen. Eric Lesser's Legislation Studying Feasibility of Springfield-Boston Rail Service Unanimously Passes Senate {{!}} Senator Eric P. Lesser|url=http://senatorlesser.com/2016/05/sen-eric-lessers-legislation-studying-feasibility-of-springfield-boston-rail-service-unanimously-passes-senate/|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170116145943/http://senatorlesser.com/2016/05/sen-eric-lessers-legislation-studying-feasibility-of-springfield-boston-rail-service-unanimously-passes-senate/|archive-date=January 16, 2017|access-date=January 13, 2017|website=senatorlesser.com}} Governor Charlie Baker vetoed the legislation; it was later revealed that Peter Picknelly, the chief executive of Peter Pan Bus Lines, had personally lobbied the governor, sending Baker an email urging him to reject the proposal.{{Cite news|url=http://www.masslive.com/news/index.ssf/2016/07/peter_picknelly_lesser_rail_bi.html|title=Peter Picknelly lobbied against proposed Springfield to Boston rail study, sending email two days before Gov. Baker's veto|newspaper=masslive.com|access-date=January 13, 2017}} Picknelly donated $1,000 to Baker's election campaign and hosted a campaign fundraiser for him.

In 2018, the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) announced their intention to study Lesser's east–west high-speed rail proposal; Lesser called this step a "major breakthrough."{{Cite web|url=https://www.masslive.com/news/2018/01/east-west_rail_studys_inclusio.html|title=East-West rail study's inclusion in MassDOT plan a 'major breakthrough,' Sen. Eric Lesser says|last=Glaun|first=Dan|date=2018-01-29|website=masslive.com|language=en-US|access-date=2019-06-12}} Lesser's proposed high-speed rail connection has gained the widespread support, including U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren,{{Cite web|url=https://www.masslive.com/news/2017/03/sen_elizabeth_warren_backs_hig.html|title=Sen. Elizabeth Warren backs high-speed rail connecting Springfield, Worcester and Boston|last=Dumcius|first=Gintautas|date=2017-03-17|website=masslive.com|language=en-US|access-date=2019-06-12}} nearly all western Massachusetts lawmakers,{{Cite web|url=https://www.wwlp.com/news/state-politics/northampton-senator-requesting-extensive-study-of-east-west-rail-service/|title=Northampton senator requesting extensive study of East-West rail service|date=2019-05-14|website=WWLP|language=en-US|access-date=2019-06-12}} transportation advocate and former Governor Michael Dukakis, the Boston City Council,{{Cite web|url=https://www.masslive.com/news/2019/05/boston-city-council-votes-to-support-springfield-to-boston-high-speed-passenger-rail.html|title=Boston City Council supports rail link to Springfield|last=Schoenberg|first=Shira|date=2019-05-01|website=masslive.com|language=en-US|access-date=2019-06-12}} and business leaders like the Greater Springfield and Greater Boston Chambers of Commerce. In 2019, MassDOT offered six alternatives for the rail project and, in January 2021, narrowed the options to three.{{Cite web|date=2019-07-24|title=Six Options Being Evaluated For East-West Passenger Rail|url=https://www.wamc.org/new-england-news/2019-07-24/six-options-being-evaluated-for-east-west-passenger-rail|access-date=2021-12-17|website=WAMC|language=en}}{{Cite web|last=Dobbs|first=G. Michael|date=2021-01-12|title=MassDOT report gives three alternatives for east-west rail|url=https://www.thereminder.com/localnews/springfield/massdot-report-gives-three-alternatives-for-east-w/|access-date=2021-12-17|website=Reminder Publications|language=en}}File:Sen. Eric Lesser speaks at the Rally for Rail at Union Station in Springfield, MA.pngWhen President Joe Biden signed the Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal in November 2021, the East–West Rail project (or "West–East Rail") gained renewed momentum. Congressman Richard Neal, who currently chairs the powerful House Ways & Means Committee, noted that the "$66 billion that Amtrak will receive has the potential to be transformative nationwide but also right here in western and central Massachusetts."{{Cite web|last=Jonas|first=Michael|date=2021-11-10|title=Could infrastructure bill put East-West rail on track?|url=https://commonwealthmagazine.org/transportation/could-infrastructure-bill-put-east-west-rail-on-track/|access-date=2021-12-17|website=CommonWealth Magazine|language=en-US}} Lesser has spoken about the project with Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg, Lesser's former classmate at Harvard.{{Cite web|date=2021-06-01|title=New Eras in DC, Boston Favor East-West Rail…& Perhaps Lesser, Too…|url=https://www.wmasspi.com/2021/05/new-eras-in-dc-boston-favor-east-west-rail-perhaps-lesser-too.html|access-date=2021-12-17|website=Western Mass Politics & Insight|language=en-US}}

The project, if completed, could take 10,000 cars off the road which, in addition to reducing traffic and congestion on the Mass Pike, would reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the region.

After the heroin epidemic resulted in 185 deaths in the first four months of 2014, Lesser created and published a four-point plan with concrete steps to address addiction. His plan included: the addition of more drug courts specializing in sending drug users to treatment instead of jail in Western Massachusetts, work to end dependence on prescription drugs through partnerships with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and other organizations, investment in new treatments that have shown promise in decreasing withdrawal symptoms, and an increase in the availability of the drug Narcan, which can save lives by reversing the effects of a heroin overdose.{{cite news|url=http://www.masslive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2014/04/candidates_viewpoint_eric_less.html|title=Candidate Viewpoint: Eric Lesser Discusses policies to Address Heroin Addiction|date=April 1, 2014|work=The Republican|last1=Lesser|first1=Eric|access-date=June 18, 2014}}

In January 2015, Lesser filed two bills regarding opioid misuse.{{cite web|url=http://www.thelongmeadownews.com/lesser-introduces-first-legislation-state-senator/|title=Lesser introduces first legislation as state senator|website=The Longmeadow News|date=January 20, 2015|access-date=January 26, 2015|archive-date=March 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304075428/http://www.thelongmeadownews.com/lesser-introduces-first-legislation-state-senator/|url-status=dead}} Lesser's bills served as the blueprint for the plan ultimately adopted by the Massachusetts State Senate in its 2015 budget, which allocated $100,000 in state funds to buy doses of the drug Naloxone, commonly known as Narcan, which can reverse opiate overdoses. Later in 2015, Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey announced a settlement with Amphastar Pharmaceuticals, Inc., the manufacturer of naloxone, in which Amphastar paid $325,000 into the state's bulk purchasing program.{{Cite news|url=http://www.masslive.com/politics/index.ssf/2016/11/state_bulk_buying_of_anti-over.html|title=Communities save estimated $186K through state bulk buying program for anti-overdose drug Narcan|newspaper=masslive.com|access-date=January 13, 2017}} The state's fund spent $377,000 to buy 11,050 doses of naloxone and 8,750 applicators; as of November 30, 2016, 8,500 doses have been distributed to cities and towns in Massachusetts, saving local communities an estimated $186,000.

The legislation has saved tens of thousands from potentially fatal overdoses. In January 2017, Massachusetts Public Health Commissioner Dr. Monica Bharel told the Public Health Council that 50,000 people in Massachusetts were now trained to administer Narcan, and more than "1,500 overdose rescue reports — each a life saved — were received in the first six months of 2016."{{Cite web|url=http://www.statehousenews.com/|title=State House News Service|website=www.statehousenews.com|access-date=January 13, 2017}} By 2021, those numbers had dramatically risen, with "more than 584,000 naloxone doses" distributed and "more than 32,000 overdose reversals using the state-funded naloxone," according to the Department of Public Health.{{Cite web|title=State efforts to address opioid overdoses detailed to Public Health Council|date=December 9, 2021 |url=https://whdh.com/news/state-efforts-to-address-opioid-overdoses-detailed-to-public-health-council/|access-date=2021-12-17|language=en-US}}

File:Sen. Lesser quizzes students on state government.jpg

In 2018, following the deluge of misinformation in the 2016 campaign cycle, a bill was signed into law to develop the next generation of leaders. The bill cemented civics education in public school curricula and required student-led civics projects. Another provision, which Lesser had championed, highlighted media literacy. Promoting the skills needed to critically analyze written and digital sources, Lesser said that, "Young people can, and must be, part of the solution to our most pressing challenges. But in order to do that, they need to understand how our democracy works and have the basic skills to tell fact from fiction and evaluate news versus commentary."{{Cite web|title=Civics Education Bill, Including Measures Championed by Senator Lesser, Signed into Law|url=https://www.senatorlesser.com/news/2018/11/08/civics-education-bill-including-measures-championed-senator-lesser-signed-law|access-date=2019-06-12|website=Office of State Senator Eric Lesser|language=en-US}} The bill also directed the Massachusetts Secretary of State to establish a non-partisan high school voter challenge program to encourage eligible students to register or pre-register to vote.

Lesser also supports increased investment in vocational training.{{Cite web|url=https://www.wwlp.com/news/local-news/hampden-county/state-senator-eric-lesser-tours-vocational-training-facility/|title=State Senator Eric Lesser tours vocational training facility|date=2018-01-23|website=WWLP|language=en-US|access-date=2019-06-12}} Vocational schools typically supplement core instruction at public schools with specialized training in lucrative and in-demand markets: machine training, biotechnology, and more.{{Cite web|title=Blackstone Valley Tech|url=https://www.valleytech.k12.ma.us/domain/23}} For Lesser, vocational training is part of a future-proofing the economy. In 2019, Lesser said, "We need to build solar panels, wind turbines, and other pieces of equipment to help propel us forward to a high-tech economy. This is not your grandfather’s manufacturing; this is really sophisticated work we can use to build our future." Lesser has proposed legislation to address the long waitlists at vocational schools in Massachusetts.{{Cite web|title=Sen. Lesser, Rep, Wagner discuss future of vocational education in Western Mass. at Career and Technical Education Round Table|url=https://www.senatorlesser.com/news/2019/10/15/sen-lesser-rep-wagner-to-discuss-future-of-vocational-education-in-western-mass-at-career-and-technical-education-round-table|access-date=2021-12-17|website=Office of State Senator Eric Lesser|language=en-US}}

Lesser, calling America's $1.5 trillion in student loan debt a "generational crisis," has proposed a Student Loan Borrower Bill of Rights to increase oversight of student loan servicers and protect borrowers.{{Cite web|last=Christensen|first=Dusty|date=March 13, 2019|title='A generational crisis': Student loan debt in Massachusetts reaches $33.3 billion|url=https://www.recorder.com/Student-loan-debt-in-Massachusetts-reaches-$33-3-billion-24059797|access-date=June 11, 2019|website=The Greenfield Recorder}} Lesser sits on the advisory board of the Student Borrower Protection Center, an advocacy group for student loan borrowers.

File:Lesser and Wagner chair Economic Development & Emerging Technologies Committee.jpg of Chicopee while they served together as co-chairs of the Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies.]]

In January 2021, Lesser negotiated for an economic recovery and development bill.{{Cite web|title=Sweeping economic development bill authorizing $627 million for COVID-19 recovery signed into law|url=https://www.senatorlesser.com/news/2021/1/15/sweeping-economic-development-bill-authorizing-627-million-for-covid-19-recovery-signed-into-law|access-date=2021-12-17|website=Office of State Senator Eric Lesser|language=en-US}} The legislation prioritized small business relief, support for workers, and housing development. Provisions included $40 million for a program to redevelop blighted buildings, $20 million for rural community development and infrastructure grants, and $102.3 million for local economic development projects. As the bill's negotiators approached a funding deadline, Lesser quipped, "The Earth was created in six days. We can create an eco[nomic] dev[elopment] bill in five."{{Cite web|url=https://twitter.com/chrislisinski/status/1344407336136433664|access-date=2021-12-17|website=Twitter|language=en}}

Lesser is the co-chair of the 17-member Future of Work Commission that is developing a report on the "impact of automation, artificial intelligence, global trade," and other economic trends affecting drivers, musicians, and gig workers.{{Cite web|title=An Act enabling partnerships for growth|url=https://malegislature.gov/Bills/191/H5250}} Defined by statute, the commission's goal is to "ensure sustainable jobs, fair benefits and workplace safety standards for workers in all industries," such as "adequate and affordable health insurance, financial security in retirement, unemployment insurance and disability insurance." Lesser is also the co-chair of the Future of Work Initiative at NewDEAL, a national network of pro-growth, progressive state and local elected officials.

As a part of his advocacy for good jobs and strong workers, Lesser is the co-chair of the Gateway Cities Caucus.{{Cite web|url=https://www.senatorlesser.com/news/2019/6/3/sen-lesser-joins-baystate-officials-for-announcement-of-39m-life-sciences-grant-to-create-clinical-trials-unit|title=Sen. Lesser Joins Baystate Officials for Announcement of $3.9M Life Sciences Grant to Create Clinical Trials Unit|website=Office of State Senator Eric Lesser|language=en-US|access-date=2019-06-12}}

Lesser has also proposed a remote worker relocation program, which would pay $10,000 over two years to employees that could move to western Massachusetts to work from home.{{Cite web|url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/business/2019/01/23/mass-senator-plan-west-work-and-pay-you/RbjAP6jopeNrcSCWj97g6I/story.html|title=Mass. senator's plan: Go west to work, and we'll pay you|first1=Jon|last1=Chesto|date=January 23, 2019|website=BostonGlobe.com|language=en-US|access-date=2019-06-12}} His plan is similar to one currently in place in Vermont.{{Cite web|url=https://www.thinkvermont.com/remote-worker-grant-program/|title=Remote Worker Grant Program|website=Think Vermont|language=en-US|access-date=2019-06-12}}

The economic relief and development package that Lesser negotiated included historic housing reform, designed to address the housing crisis and encourage new construction. The National Low-Income Housing Association released a statement in support of the legislation that detailed its effects: "The legislation includes the first comprehensive zoning reform changes in Massachusetts in 40 years and authorizes $115 million for transit and climate-resilient affordable housing development and neighborhood stabilization activities. The bill also doubles the Massachusetts Low Income Housing Tax Credit program to $40 million per year."{{Cite web|title=Massachusetts Passes Legislation with Critical Zoning Reforms and Affordable Housing Resources|url=https://nlihc.org/resource/massachusetts-passes-legislation-critical-zoning-reforms-and-affordable-housing-resources|access-date=2021-12-19|website=National Low Income Housing Coalition|language=en}}

Lesser established the Nonprofit Security Grant program alongside Senate President Emerita Harriette Chandler in 2017. In the program's first year, $75,000 were allocated to religious and cultural institutions to address safety and security concerns. The grants increased to nearly $1 million in 2021 and, in fiscal year 2022, the Senate unanimously voted to increase the total amount available in grants to $1.5 million. The increases come as the country and local communities in Massachusetts face more frequent incidents of hate targeting LGBTQ+, Black, Jewish, Asian, and Muslim groups.{{Cite web|title=Sen. Lesser sounds alarm on surging trends of hate and violence across the Commonwealth|url=https://www.senatorlesser.com/news/2021/6/2/sen-lesser-sounds-alarm-on-surging-trends-of-hate-and-violence-across-the-commonwealth|access-date=2021-12-17|website=Office of State Senator Eric Lesser|language=en-US}}

In June 2020, Lesser attended the Black Lives Matter protests in Springfield, Massachusetts. "We had a lot of great conversations. People came up, introduced themselves, shared their stories, and we chatted and I learned a lot," he said. "You know the stories of hearing young people, 16-, 17-,18-years-old, very clearly very conscientious, very motivated young people, talk about their experiences of not feeling safe around police, should really alarm everyone." But, Lesser concluded, "we are not powerless."{{Cite web|title=Lesser Hopes George Floyd's Death 'Shakes the Consciousness' of People|url=https://spectrumnews1.com/ma/worcester/news/2020/06/04/eric-lesser-on-protests|access-date=2021-12-17|website=spectrumnews1.com|language=en}}

To protect civil liberties, Lesser has proposed a bill requiring law enforcement to obtain a warrant before accessing data collected on drivers on the Mass Pike.{{Cite web|date=2019-07-09|title=Senator Lesser aims to protect privacy of drivers|url=https://www.wwlp.com/news/state-politics/senator-lesser-aims-to-protect-privacy-of-drivers/|access-date=2021-12-17|website=WWLP|language=en-US}} The tolls collect drivers' license plates and information about speed, date, time, and location. Lesser's proposal makes an exception for immediate threats to life and public safety emergencies.

Lesser served on the Governor's Task Force on Hate Crimes, which advises on the prevalence, prevention, and recovery from hate crimes.

File:Lesser joins leaders to protest biomass plant.jpg

In 2008, there was a proposal to build a 42-megawatt, wood-burning power plant in Springfield, Massachusetts.{{Cite web|last=Robertson|first=Sarah|date=2021-04-06|title=Permit Revoked For Springfield Biomass Power Plant Thanks To Grassroots Organizing|url=https://theshoestring.org/2021/04/06/permit-revoked-for-springfield-biomass-power-plant-thanks-to-grassroots-organizing/|access-date=2021-12-17|website=the shoestring|language=en-US}} A coalition of environmental and racial justice activists, from the project's inception, resisted. Representing Springfield in the State Senate, Lesser was a vocal opponent of the plant, alongside local leaders and U.S. Senators Elizabeth Warren and Ed Markey.

In April 2021, the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection announced that they would revoke the project permit to build the biomass power plant.{{Cite web|title=Biomass Revocation Statement|url=https://www.massjwj.net/blog/2021/4/18/biomass-revocation-statement|access-date=2021-12-17|website=Massachusetts Jobs with Justice|date=April 18, 2021 |language=en-US}} In reaction, Jaqueline Vélez, a racial justice organizer with Jobs with Justice, said, "Communities of color are already disproportionately impacted. They already have underlying medical issues. To add a power plant, a biomass burning power plant that would exacerbate folks’ medical conditions just emphasizes how communities of color and low income communities are targeted for these projects."

Lesser called the decision "long overdue" and that "the plant should never have been considered for that location in the first place."

File:Sen. Eric Lesser at the East Longmeadow Senior Center.jpg

In May 2014, Lesser published an opinion piece in the Springfield Republican detailing a plan to support the increasing population of adults over 65 in Western Massachusetts. Lesser believes that in-home healthcare should be more affordable so that seniors can stay in their homes as long as possible. His plan also includes two points to protect the physical and financial security of the elderly. Lesser wrote that the state should provide increased oversight of in-home healthcare agencies in order to reduce instances of elder abuse, and he supports the increased availability of computer and financial literacy education opportunities to decrease the number of seniors who fall victim to online and phone scams.{{cite news|last1=Lesser|first1=Eric|title=Candidate Viewpoint: Four Ways to Protect Our Senior Citizens|url=http://www.masslive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2014/06/candidate_viewpoint_four_ways.html|access-date=June 18, 2014|work=Springfield Republican|date=June 10, 2014}}

Since 2017, Lesser has hosted an annual "Thrive After 55" Wellness Fair where participating organizations answer questions and offer information about their resources to local seniors.{{Cite web|url=https://www.senatorlesser.com/news/2019/6/10/77-organizations-to-participate-in-sen-lessers-third-annual-thrive-after-55-wellness-fair-on-june-21|title=77 Organizations to Participate in Sen. Lesser's Third Annual "Thrive After 55" Wellness Fair on June 21|website=Office of State Senator Eric Lesser|language=en-US|access-date=2019-06-12}} During the coronavirus pandemic, the fair shifted online, offering virtual programming on financial security, identity theft, healthcare, and wellness.{{Cite web|last=Dobbs|first=G. Michael|date=2021-06-21|title=Lesser brings his 'Thrive After 55' event to TV for second year|url=https://www.thereminder.com/localnews/chicopee/lesser-brings-his-thrive-after-55-event-to-tv-for-/|access-date=2021-12-17|website=Reminder Publications|language=en}}

On June 21, 2019, seven members of a New England motorcycle club were killed when a truck, pulling a car hauler, crashed into the group.{{Cite web|title=State Senator Eric Lesser Calls on RMV Manager Thomas Bowes to Step Down|url=https://www.necn.com/news/local/massachusetts/state-senator-eric-lesser-calls-for-rmv-chief-thomas-bowes-to-step-down/127097/|access-date=2021-12-17|website=NECN|date=July 31, 2019 |language=en-US}} The negligent driver was licensed in Massachusetts and had a history of violations. His license should have been revoked. The crash revealed that the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) had knowingly failed to process a backlog of notifications from other states. The 53 boxes of notifications, dating back to 2008, included more than 10,000 driving violations.{{Cite web|date=2019-07-22|title=Thomas Bowes, head of Massachusetts RMV division in charge of driving records, not appearing before Transportation Committee|url=https://www.masslive.com/politics/2019/07/thomas-bowes-head-of-massachusetts-rmv-division-in-charge-of-driving-records-not-appearing-before-transportation-committee.html|access-date=2021-12-17|website=masslive|language=en}} Within a month of the crash, the processing of these notifications resulted in over 2,000 license suspensions.{{Cite web|date=2019-08-16|title=Mass. RMV scandal: Auditor's report reveals 5 major problems with how state was handling violations|url=https://www.masslive.com/politics/2019/08/mass-rmv-scandal-auditors-report-reveals-5-major-problems-with-how-state-was-handling-violations.html|access-date=2021-12-17|website=masslive|language=en}}

Lesser, who served as the Vice Chair of the Joint Committee on Transportation at the time, participated in the oversight hearings. Upon first request, the Baker administration officials did not appear.{{Cite web|first=Chris|last=Lisinski|title=RMV hearing recesses after Baker admin no-shows|url=https://www.salemnews.com/news/rmv-hearing-recesses-after-baker-admin-no-shows/article_bd3868f6-ac95-11e9-a598-0369a71b6170.html|access-date=2021-12-17|website=Salem News|date=July 22, 2019 |language=en}} Eventually, Lesser questioned the director of the Merit Rating Board, Thomas Bowes, who was most directly responsible for processing these notifications.

The Boston Globe reported that Bowes, when the scandal broke, was in England. He attended the Red Sox–Yankees game in London; Governor Baker was also in attendance.{{Cite web|last=Stout|first=Matt|date=June 26, 2019|title=While Baker is in London, criticism mounts over handling of RMV and MBTA - The Boston Globe|url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2019/06/26/while-baker-london-criticism-mounts-over-handling-rmv-and-mbta/ahh8rTXwcwO6GUkKrbBGHO/story.html|access-date=2021-12-17|website=BostonGlobe.com|language=en-US}}{{Cite web|date=2019-07-01|title=Resignations, Fiery Politics Close Out The Massachusetts Fiscal Year|url=https://www.nepm.org/regional-news/2019-07-01/resignations-fiery-politics-close-out-the-massachusetts-fiscal-year|access-date=2021-12-17|website=New England Public Media|language=en}} Soon after the oversight hearing, Lesser called for Bowes's resignation, saying that he had "lost the confidence of the public."

Lesser has since proposed legislation to force the RMV to process these out-of-state notifications, before tragedy strikes again.{{Cite web|date=2021-02-24|title=Proposed legislation would require Mass. RMV to address out-of-state driving violations|url=https://www.masslive.com/news/2021/02/state-sen-eric-lesser-proposes-legislation-to-require-mass-rmv-to-address-out-of-state-driving-violations.html|access-date=2021-12-17|website=masslive|language=en}}

File:Lesser confronts Baker over vaccine rollout.jpg

Lesser criticized the vaccine rollout in Massachusetts as messy and uncoordinated.{{Cite web|last=Wu|first=Janet|date=2021-04-18|title=OTR: State senator calls COVID-19 vaccine rollout messy, uncoordinated|url=https://www.wcvb.com/article/on-the-record-massachusetts-sen-eric-lesser-calls-state-s-covid-19-vaccine-rollout-messy-uncoordinated/36156051|access-date=2021-12-17|website=WCVB|language=en}} Lesser sponsored an emergency bill to set up a one-stop website for COVID-19 vaccination appointments, as well as a 24-hour hotline.{{Cite web|title=An Act streamlining COVID-19 vaccination sign-up in Massachusetts|url=https://malegislature.gov/Bills/192/S1454}} The Baker administration's website had directed users to third-party websites, making it difficult when appointments were scarce and, generally, for elderly residents. “The system is cumbersome, contradictory, and asks residents over 75 to navigate a haze of web links, locations, and instructions, each with different criteria and scheduling systems,” Lesser said. “And for those with limited ability to navigate the internet, there is no access to appointment booking at all.”{{Cite web|title=4 proposals to improve the Massachusetts vaccine rollout|url=https://www.boston.com/news/coronavirus/2021/02/08/massachusetts-vaccine-rollout-bills/|access-date=2021-12-17|website=www.boston.com|language=en-US}}

As the rollout continued, long lines in cold weather prevented many Massachusetts residents from receiving the vaccine. One resident said, "“It was just very frustrating. I feel sorry for the older people who were obviously struggling with the cold and just being able to stand that long. That’s a long time to wait in line and stand in 27-degree temperatures.”{{Cite web|date=2021-02-09|title=Residents stand in long lines, cold weather for COVID-19 vaccine at Eastfield Mall|url=https://www.wwlp.com/news/local-news/hampden-county/residents-stand-in-long-lines-cold-weather-for-covid-19-vaccine-at-eastfield-mall/|access-date=2021-12-17|website=WWLP|language=en-US}}

Lesser requested that Baker appear before the legislature's COVID-19 oversight committee to answer questions. When Baker showed up, he was pressured by Lesser and others. As a member of the committee, Lesser dismissed Baker's characterization of the rollout as "lumpy and bumpy," calling it "a failure."{{Cite web|last1=Stout|first1=Matt|last2=Platoff|first2=Emma|first3=Amanda|last3=Kaufman|date=February 26, 2021|title='You're missing how broken the system is': Baker faces rare grilling from lawmakers amid bumpy vaccine rollout |url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/2021/02/25/nation/hearing-states-handling-covid-19-vaccine-rollout-begins/|access-date=2021-12-17|website=BostonGlobe.com|language=en-US}} When the Baker administration first unveiled their vaccine appointment registration website, it crashed. Residents were left with an image of an octopus.{{Cite news|last=Buell|first=Spencer|date=February 19, 2021|title=The New Antihero of the Massachusetts' Vaccine Rollout: The Four-Armed Octopus of Doom|work=Boston Magazine|url=https://www.bostonmagazine.com/news/2021/02/19/massachusetts-vaccine-octopus/}}{{Cite web|date=2021-02-19|title=60K mass vaccination appointments booked despite website crash, state says|url=https://www.wcvb.com/article/gov-baker-covid-19-vaccination-update-phase-2-age-65-plus-comorbidities-february-17-2021/35533780|access-date=2021-12-17|website=WCVB|language=en}} Following Baker's appearance before Lesser and the committee, the administration fixed the broken website, streamlined the system to book appointments, and signed new contracts to ensure that the rollout continued in a safe and efficient manner.

The Soldiers' Home in Holyoke is a state-operated veterans' facility that provides health care, hospice care, and other services. In April 2020, the Massachusetts attorney general's office learned of "serious issues with COVID-19 infection protocols."{{Cite news|last=Diaz|first=Johnny|date=2020-09-25|title=Two Charged in Coronavirus Outbreak at Veterans' Home That Left 76 Dead|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/09/25/us/veterans-home-holyoke-covid.html|access-date=2021-12-17|issn=0362-4331}} Staffing shortages led the facility to consolidate two dementia wards with infected veterans and healthy residents, increasing the risk of contracting the virus. In June, investigators released a 174-page report that detailed what one worker described as "total pandemonium" and a "nightmare."{{Cite news|last=Barry|first=Ellen|date=2020-06-24|title='Total Pandemonium': What Went Wrong at a Veterans' Home Where 76 Died|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/06/24/us/holyoke-soldiers-home.html|access-date=2021-12-17|issn=0362-4331}}

The report quoted one employee who said it “felt like it was moving the concentration camp, we were moving these unknowing veterans off to die.” A social worker described listening to the chief nursing officer say “something to the effect that this room will be dead by Sunday, so we will have more room here.” Another social worker recalled seeing a supervisor point to a room and say, “All this room will be dead by tomorrow.”{{Cite book|last=Pearlstein|first=Mark W.|title=The COVID-19 Outbreak at the Soldiers' Home in Holyoke|date=June 23, 2020|url=https://www.mass.gov/doc/report-to-governor-baker-re-holyoke-soldiers-home/download}} The outbreak killed at least 76 residents at the Soldiers' Home.{{Cite web|title=2 Ex-Holyoke Soldiers' Home Officials Plead Not Guilty in Deadly COVID Outbreak|url=https://www.nbcboston.com/news/coronavirus/2-former-officials-of-holyoke-soldiers-home-to-face-judge-thursday/2224284/|access-date=2021-12-17|website=NBC Boston|date=November 5, 2020 |language=en-US}}

The Holyoke Soldiers' Home was flagged for renovation in 2012 and received matching funding from the Veterans' Administration, but no progress was made until thousands of veterans and friends signed a petition in 2020. By contrast, the Chelsea Soldiers' Home was approved for renovation and received matching funding in 2017; construction began in 2018.{{Cite web|date=2020-11-11|title=Holyoke Soldiers' Home shelved renovations could have 'avoided tragedy,' report finds|url=https://www.bostonherald.com/2020/11/11/holyoke-soldiers-home-renovations-could-help-combat-future-pandemics/|access-date=2021-12-17|website=Boston Herald|language=en-US}} The Boston Globe investigations team found that Gov. Baker and the state health secretary were close to the management issues at the home.{{Cite web|last1=Stout|first1=Matt|last2=Estes|first2=Andrea|first3=Rebecca|last3=Ostriker|date=May 28, 2021|title=Baker wrongly claimed he never met Holyoke Soldiers' Home leader before swearing him in. 'I forgot,' he says|url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/2021/05/28/metro/baker-wrongly-claimed-he-never-met-holyoke-soldiers-home-leader-before-swearing-him-i-forgot-he-says/|access-date=2021-12-17|website=BostonGlobe.com|language=en-US}}{{Cite web|first1=Rebecca|last1=Ostriker|first2=Andrea|last2=Estes|first3=Matt|last3=Rocheleau|first4=Patricia|last4=Wen|title=Charlie Baker's role in the Soldiers' Home tragedy|url=https://apps.bostonglobe.com/metro/investigations/spotlight/2021/05/soldiers-home/|access-date=2021-12-17|website=BostonGlobe.com|language=en}}

Lesser helped secure a $600 million bond for an entirely new Holyoke Soldiers' Home and increased veterans' services statewide.{{Cite web|date=2021-04-29|title=Senate unanimously passes $600M bond bill for new Soldiers' Home|url=https://www.masslive.com/news/2021/04/600-bond-bill-for-new-holyoke-soldiers-home-more-services-for-veterans-statewide-passes-massachusetts-senate-in-unanimous-vote.html|access-date=2021-12-17|website=masslive|language=en}}

After Hillary Clinton won the popular vote but lost the 2016 U.S. presidential election because Donald Trump won more votes in the Electoral College, Lesser filed a resolution in the Massachusetts State Senate calling on the U.S. Congress to propose an amendment to abolish the Electoral College. "It has now been twice in 16 years, and five times total in American history, that a president and vice president have been elected by winning a majority of the Electoral College, despite the fact that they lost the national popular vote," Lesser said in a statement. "Given the importance of empowering voters to believe every vote counts in a presidential election, the repeal of the Electoral College merits a thorough discussion and examination."{{Cite news|title=In wake of Hillary Clinton's defeat, state Sen. Eric Lesser calls for abolition of Electoral College|newspaper=masslive.com|url=http://www.masslive.com/politics/index.ssf/2016/11/state_sen_eric_lesser_calls_fo.html|access-date=January 13, 2017}}{{Cite web|last=Fay|first=Anthony|date=November 21, 2016|title=Eliminate the Electoral College? State Senator to file bill|url=http://wwlp.com/2016/11/21/sen-eric-lesser-filing-bill-to-call-for-elimination-of-electoral-college/|access-date=January 13, 2017|website=WWLP.com|archive-date=January 16, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170116173620/http://wwlp.com/2016/11/21/sen-eric-lesser-filing-bill-to-call-for-elimination-of-electoral-college/|url-status=dead}}{{Cite news|title=Another Effort to Scrap the Electoral College Is Brewing in Massachusetts|language=en-US|newspaper=Boston Magazine|url=http://www.bostonmagazine.com/news/blog/2016/11/21/massachusetts-electoral-college/|access-date=January 13, 2017|archive-date=January 16, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170116181235/http://www.bostonmagazine.com/news/blog/2016/11/21/massachusetts-electoral-college/|url-status=dead}}

Lesser holds a number of national recognitions, including a Rodel Fellowship in Public Leadership at the Aspen Institute. He is the co-chair of the Future of Work Initiative at NewDEAL, a national network of pro-growth, progressive state and local elected officials. He also sits on the advisory board of the Student Borrower Protection Center, an advocacy group for student loan borrowers. Lesser is a term member of the Council on Foreign Relations.{{Cite web|url=https://www.senatorlesser.com/spa-wellness|title=About Senator Lesser|website=Office of State Senator Eric Lesser|language=en-US|access-date=2019-06-12}}

Lesser has taught workshops on campaigns, elections, and public policy at Harvard's Kennedy School of Government and a class on millennial leadership in local and state politics at the University of Massachusetts Amherst.

Lesser worked as a script consultant with HBO on the television show Veep for seven seasons.{{cite news|last=Cogan|first=Marin|date=June 28, 2013|title=Hollywood Squares|newspaper=Washington City Paper|url=http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/articles/44496/hollywood-squares-meet-the-political-consultants-who-explain-dc-to/|access-date=February 12, 2014}}{{cite web|title=Eric Lesser|url=https://www.imdb.com/name/nm5140697/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1|access-date=February 12, 2014|work=IMDb}}

Lesser married attorney Alison Silber on December 31, 2011.{{cite news|title=Alison Silber, Eric Lesser|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/01/fashion/weddings/alison-silber-eric-lesser-weddings.html|work=The New York Times|date=January 2012|access-date=February 11, 2014}}{{cite news|title=Alison Silber and Eric Lesser|url=http://www.masslive.com/weddings/index.ssf/2012/01/alison_silber_and_eric_lesser.html|access-date=February 12, 2014|newspaper=The Republican|date=January 1, 2012}}{{cite web|last=Tracy|first=Marc|title=All the Obama Weddings|url=http://www.tabletmag.com/scroll/87214/all-the-obama-weddings|work=The Scroll|date=January 3, 2012 |publisher=Tablet|access-date=February 12, 2014}} The couple has three children.

In 2018 and 2020, Lesser did not face any opponents in the 1st Hampden and Hampshire Democratic Primary and General Election.

{{Election box begin no change

| title = Massachusetts Lieutenant Governor Democratic Primary, 2022 {{cite web | url=https://electionstats.state.ma.us/elections/view/152287/ | title=PD43+ » 2022 Lieutenant Governor Democratic Primary }}}}

{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change

|party = Democratic Party (United States)

|candidate = Kimberley Driscoll

|votes = 332,712

|percentage = 46.6

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|party = Democratic Party (United States)

|candidate = Eric P. Lesser

|votes = 233,241

|percentage = 32.7}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|party = Democratic Party (United States)

|candidate = Tami Gouveia

|votes = 147,224

|percentage = 20.6}}

{{Election box write-in with party link no change

|votes = 1,094

|percentage = 0.2}}

{{Election box total no change

|votes = 714,271

|percentage = 100.0

}}{{Election box end}}

{{Election box begin no change

| title = Massachusetts 1st Hampden and Hampshire General Election, 2016 {{cite web | url=https://electionstats.state.ma.us/elections/view/126177/ | title=PD43+ » 2014 State Senate General Election 1st Hampden and Hampshire District }}}}

{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change

|party = Democratic Party (United States)

|candidate = Eric Philip Lesser

|votes = 44,602

|percentage = 55.8

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|party = Republican Party (United States)

|candidate = James Chip Harrington

|votes = 35,188

|percentage = 44.0}}

{{Election box write-in with party link no change

|votes = 100

|percentage = 0.1}}

{{Election box total no change

|votes = 79,890

|percentage = 100.0

}}{{Election box end}}

{{Election box begin no change

| title = Massachusetts 1st Hampden and Hampshire General Election, 2014 {{cite web | url=https://electionstats.state.ma.us/elections/view/126177/ | title=PD43+ » 2014 State Senate General Election 1st Hampden and Hampshire District }}}}

{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change

|party = Democratic Party (United States)

|candidate = Eric Philip Lesser

|votes = 28153

|percentage = 50.4

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|party = Republican Party (United States)

|candidate = Debra A. Boronski

|votes = 24,964

|percentage = 44.7}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|party = Independent Politician

|candidate = Mike Franco

|votes = 2,705

|percentage = 4.8}}

{{Election box write-in with party link no change

|votes = 85

|percentage = 0.2}}

{{Election box total no change

|votes = 23,360

|percentage = 100.0

}}{{Election box end}}

{{Election box begin no change|title=Massachusetts 1st Hampden and Hampshire Democratic Primary, 2014}}

{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change|candidate=Eric Philip Lesser

|party=Democratic Party (United States)

|percentage=32.3

|votes=5,374}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change|party=Democratic Party (United States)|candidate=Timothy C. Allen

|votes=5,182

|percentage=31.2}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change|party=Democratic Party (United States)|candidate=James Chip Harrington

|votes=4,189

|percentage=25.2}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change|party=Democratic Party (United States)|candidate=Aaron L. Saunders

|votes=1,406

|percentage=8.5}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change|party=Democratic Party (United States)|candidate=Thomas A. Lachiusa

|votes=430

|percentage=2.6}}

{{Election box write-in with party link no change

|votes = 32

|percentage = 0.2}}

{{Election box total no change|percentage=100.00|votes=16,616}}{{Election box end}}

• 2019–2020 Massachusetts legislature
• 2021–2022 Massachusetts legislature

{{Reflist|30em}}

{{commons}}

• [https://www.wilmerhale.com/en/people/eric-p-lesser Eric P. Lesser] | Senior Counsel, WilmerHale
• [https://malegislature.gov/Legislators/Profile/EPL0/191/Bills/Sponsored Legislative website] (2015–2022)
• {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221021163532/https://www.senatorlesser.com/ |date=October 21, 2022 |title=Office of State Senator Eric Lesser}}
• {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220902141327/http://www.ericlesser.com/ |date=September 2, 2022 |title=Lesser for Lt. Governor}}

{{Massachusetts Senate}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Lesser, Eric}}

Category:1985 births

Category:Jewish state legislators in Massachusetts

Category:Democratic Party Massachusetts state senators

Category:Harvard College alumni

Category:Harvard Law School alumni

Category:Living people

Category:People from Longmeadow, Massachusetts

Category:21st-century members of the Massachusetts General Court