State Representative Stephen R. Canessa was sworn into office on January 5, 2005 to serve as the State Representative for the communities of Freetown, Lakeville, Middleboro, New Bedford, and Taunton.

As State Representative, Rep. Canessa is focused on improving the quality of life for his constituents within the 12th Bristol District.  Rep. Canessa continues to work closely with area leaders to stimulate the local economy; strengthen the quality of our public education system; listen to and work with the senior community in an effort to effectively meet their needs; work cooperatively with public safety officials to promote effective and aggressive means of crime prevention and fight for the New Bedford/Fall River Commuter Rail Line Extension.   

Rep. Canessa’s political experience began when he became a member of the Plymouth County Democratic League and the Lakeville Democratic Town Committee. From his participation in these organizations, he was elected as a Lakeville delegate to attend the Massachusetts State Democratic Convention. He won his first political race for a position on the Lakeville School Committee (LSC) in 2001 and was re-elected to that seat in 2004.

Rep. Stephen Canessa holds a master’s degree in Business Administration from Suffolk University’s Sawyer School of Management.  He also earned a bachelor’s degree at Bridgewater State College where he graduated Summa Cum Laude.

Rep. Canessa is a member of the New Bedford Chapter of the Order Sons of Italy, the Executive Board of Directors of the National Dropout Prevention Center, and the Advisory Council of the Department of Early Education & Care.  A native of Lakeville, MA, Rep. Canessa currently resides in New Bedford, MA, with his wife and their family.