Massachusetts's 5th congressional district

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Massachusetts’s 5th congressional district is a U.S. House district in eastern Massachusetts. It is currently represented by Democrat Katherine Clark, who has served since a 2013 special election following Ed Markey’s departure to the U.S. Senate.

Geography and population
The district spans parts of Middlesex County, Norfolk County, and Suffolk County. Major communities include Arlington, Cambridge (part), Framingham, Lexington, Medford, Malden, Natick, Stoneham, Waltham, Watertown, Wayland, Weston, Winchester, Woburn, Revere, and Winthrop, among others. After the 2020 census redistricting, the district’s borders were drawn to include much of Middlesex County, portions of Norfolk County, and parts of Suffolk County. The population is about 790,877 (2024), with a median household income around $136,612. The district’s racial and ethnic makeup includes roughly 64.6% White, 12.8% Asian, 10.5% Hispanic or Latino, 5.1% two or more races, 5.0% Black, and 2.0% other.

Political leaning
The district leans strongly Democratic (Cook Political Report’s PVI: D+24), and has been represented by Democrats since 1975.

History and notable facts
Massachusetts’s 5th district has existed since 1789, but its borders were changed in the 2010 census redistricting, affecting which communities are included. In 2013, Ed Markey resigned to become a U.S. senator, and Katherine Clark won a special election to finish his term. Clark was sworn in December 2013 and has continued to represent the district since then, later taking on leadership roles in the House.

Election highlights
In recent elections, Democratic candidates have held the seat with large margins. The district has consistently supported Democratic candidates in statewide races as well.

Current and past context
The district is part of eastern Massachusetts and is connected to surrounding districts through shared communities and regional interests. It includes a mix of big-city suburbs and university-rich areas, contributing to its Democratic leaning and focus on issues like education, healthcare, transportation, and regional economic development.