Stephen J. Buoniconti was elected to the state Senate in 2004, following four years in the state House of Representatives. He ran for state rep in 2000, criticizing former House Speaker Tom Finneran, who had become increasingly unpopular with voters as well as other legislators. In that race, Buoniconti unseated longtime Republican state rep Walter DeFilippi, who often supported Finneran. Despite Buoniconti's first campaign, in which he spoke of the need for reform on Beacon Hill, he has demonstrated great loyalty to Democratic leadership and risen quickly in the legislature.
An attorney by profession, Buoniconti earned his law degree at Western New England College School of Law. He is a graduate of West Springfield High School and Fairfield University. Before entering electoral politics, Buoniconti served as an assistant district attorney in Hampden County. He also served as a West Springfield town meeting member, recreation commissioner, and school committee member.
In the state Senate, Buoniconti serves as chairman of the Joint Committee on Financial Services, and is a member of the Joint Committee on Public Health, Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security, Joint Committee on Community Development and Small Business, Joint Committee on Revenue and Joint Committee on Labor and Workforce Development.
