Keiko Orrall

Keiko Orrall
Member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives
from the 12th Bristol district
Assumed office
September 22, 2011
Preceded by Stephen Canessa
Personal details
Born (1967-09-08) September 8, 1967
Cincinnati, Ohio, U.S.
Political party Republican
Spouse(s) Norman
Children 2
Education Smith College (BA)
Website Campaign website

Keiko M. Orrall is a Republican state legislator serving in the Massachusetts House of Representatives. She currently represents the 12th Bristol district in the General Court. Her district includes Berkley, Ward 3 - Precinct B and Ward 4 in Taunton, Lakeville, and Precincts 2, 4 and 5 of Middleborough.. On February 13, 2018, she announced that she would not seek reelection and instead run for Treasurer of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. In doing so, she became the first Asian-American woman to seek constitutional office in Massachusetts.

Early life and career

Orrall is the granddaughter of Japanese, Irish, and German immigrants. Two of her uncles served in the 442nd Infantry Regiment of the US Army during World War II and were awarded Purple Hearts. [1]

Orrall was born in Cincinnati, Ohio and is one of five children. She graduated from Smith College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in education. While attending Smith, she met her husband, Norman, who was studying at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. Keiko and Norman have 2 grown children and currently reside in Lakeville, MA.

Before being elected to the Massachusetts legislature, Orrall worked as a public school teacher and had served on the Lakeville (MA) Finance Committee.[2]

In June 2011, Stephen Canessa announced that he was resigning his position as representative in the 12th Bristol district. A special election was scheduled to fill his seat for the remainder of the term.[3] Orrall ran against Lakeville Selectman Derek Maksy in the Republican primary, defeating him with 59% of the vote.[4][5] Orrall faced Middleborough Democrat Roger Brunelle in the special general election, and defeated him with 54% of the vote.[6]

On February 13, 2018, Orrall announced her candidacy for Treasurer and Receiver General of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Orrall will face incumbent Democrat Deb Goldberg in the General Election. [7]

State Representative

Orrall currently serves on the Joint Committee on Labor and Workforce Development, Joint Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technology, and the Joint Committee on Export Development. Orrall has been vocal against a proposal for a tribal casino plan for a location in East Taunton, Massachusetts. She has consistently called for more compensation to surrounding communities to mitigate the impact of the casino, especially on those towns she currently represents.[8] Orrall has also played a role in the issues surrounding the water levels in Lakeville's Assawompset Pond Complex.[9]

Orrall has been viewed as a bipartisan lawmaker who works with colleagues on both sides of the aisle.

Electoral History

Massachusetts General Court 12th Bristol District, 2012[10]
Party Candidate Votes % ±
Republican Keiko Orrall 10,251 57.50
Democratic Roger Brunelle 7,532 42.20

References

  1. ↑ "About – Keiko Orrall for State Treasurer". votekeiko.com. Retrieved 2018-02-19.
  2. ↑ "Meet the Candidate: Keiko Orrall". Fall River Herald News. Archived from the original on 11 April 2013. Retrieved 29 March 2013.
  3. ↑ Elwell, Alice (June 23, 2011). "State Rep. Stephen Canessa resigns to work for health group". The Enterprise. Retrieved 29 March 2013.
  4. ↑ Clark, Anika (August 9, 2011). "2 Lakeville Republicans square off in 12th Bristol primary". The Standard Times. Retrieved 29 March 2013.
  5. ↑ Tuoti, Gerry (August 23, 2011). "Brunelle, Orrall emerge winners in primary election for Rep. Canessa's seat". Fall River Herald News. Retrieved 29 March 2013.
  6. ↑ Cheney, Kyle (September 22, 2011). "Orrall, Lakeville Republican, wins House seat". Boston Globe. Retrieved 29 March 2013.
  7. ↑ "GOP's Keiko Orrall launches run for state treasurer". Retrieved 2018-02-19.
  8. ↑ Brennan, George (March 1, 2013). "Politicians push for casino padding". Cape Cod Times. Archived from the original on April 10, 2013. Retrieved 29 March 2013.
  9. ↑ Wagner, Jeffrey (March 3, 2013). "State Reps. Schmid, Orrall discuss management of Assawompset Pond Complex water levels". Fall River Herald. Retrieved 29 March 2013.
  10. ↑ "2012 State Representative General Election 12th Bristol District". Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth. Retrieved 2 April 2013.
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