In his bid for re-election to the Massachusetts State House, Rep. Dave Rogers said the realities of affordability and government assistance are not “academic or theoretical” to him.
Rogers lost his father when he was 12. He said his family relied on Social Security survivors’ benefits to get by after his father’s business collapsed. The experience instilled in him “an empathy for the human condition,” and still inspires his work on Beacon Hill. Since 2013, Rogers has represented the 24th Middlesex District, which includes all of Belmont, and parts of Arlington and Cambridge.
“It’s been an incredibly rewarding job because it can help people both in ways large and small, everything from a constituent in need who’s going through a crisis to bigger statewide issues,” Rogers said. “I love making a difference in people’s lives. It’s deeply rewarding and interesting. I’ve done a lot, and there’s more to do.”
Rogers is facing a challenge from Belmont resident Nomita Ganguly.
Rogers touted his successes in securing money in a state supplemental budget for a new position in Belmont Public Schools, banning the use of facial recognition software by police in public spaces, and the establishment of a $5 million immigrant legal defense fund.
Earlier this month, the House unanimously passed a bill authored by Rogers that would prevent large companies from collecting data beyond what’s needed for their services. The bill also introduces increased protections for minors and bans companies from selling sensitive data — including precise geolocation data.
“Technology brings benefits to all of our lives, for sure, but as I think a lot of people are recognizing, it’s a double-edged sword for all the benefits it brings,” Rogers said.
He said he is focused on affordability in Massachusetts, and introduced a rent stabilization measure to the House. The bill was referred to the committee on Municipalities and Regional Government last February, according to records.
“I think we just need to keep always at the top of mind: how can we address affordability? I’ll certainly continue to do that in my role, for sure,” Rogers said.
Rogers serves as chair of the Joint Committee on Higher Education, which oversaw the establishment of free community college in Massachusetts, as well as the increase of tuition assistance for state universities.
Following a 2025 ballot question that permitted state Auditor Diana DiZoglio permission to audit the legislature, the House and Senate have been under repeated fire over allegations of lack of transparency. Earlier this month, the House passed a bill that amends the auditor’s authority, allowing that office to examine the legislature’s “administrative functions,” but barring it from delving into “constitutional functions,” and would place the governor’s office under existing public records law for the first time.
Rogers voted in favor of the bill, and said he is proud of the work the House has done since he took office in 2013.
“The separation of powers is the fundamental building block of our whole system. The audit question, I believe, violated it,” Rogers said.
In seeking re-election, Rogers also emphasized his own experience and history of delivering for his communities.
“I put my whole self into this job,” Rogers said. “I’ve learned the ropes through trial and some error in learning and growing and developing, where now Arlington, Belmont, and Cambridge have a legislator who has the network of connections, relationships, and experience to make a big impact. I could never do the things I’m doing right now as a new legislator, it just wouldn’t happen.”