State Representative Antonio F. D. Cabral, House Chair of Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight, is one of the highest ranking Portuguese-American legislators in the country.

Tony immigrated to the United States with his family when he was 14 years old. His parents, Manuel and Victoria, wanted their children to have greater opportunities and a better life in America. They spoke no English and didn’t have money or connections in the United States, but instilled in their children the value of education, hard-work, and civic responsibility.

Tony worked very hard to learn English to keep up with his studies. Throughout high school and college, he went to school during the day and worked nights to help support his family and pay for his education himself. He started with an Associate’s Degree at Bristol Community College, which led to a Bachelor’s Degree from UMass Dartmouth (then Southeastern Massachusetts University). He fulfilled one of his parents’ dreams for their family when he graduated with a BA in History. Tony later went on to graduate studies at Brown University while he began his career as a public school teacher.

Tony was already interested in local politics when he began his teaching career. He taught Social Studies, Portuguese, and Spanish in local public school systems. His personal experiences as a newcomer to the United States and a teacher deeply inform his priorities and policy decisions as an elected official.

Elected in November of 1990, Tony represents the 13th Bristol District of New Bedford in the Massachusetts House of Representatives. Over the course of his career, more than 50 of his bills and legislative proposals have passed into law. He is currently the House Chair of the Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight and leads the Gateway Cities Legislative Caucus and the Portuguese American Legislative Caucus.

Tony considers it an honor and privilege to serve the people of New Bedford. Maintaining their trust and support is his highest priority – which is why you will find him crisscrossing the city at local events and hosting office hours every first Saturday of the month at the Howland Green Branch Library.

Tony works hard everyday for the people of New Bedford, which sometimes means long hours away from home. Tony is thankful for the support of his family and the sacrifices they have made, especially his wife, Jessica, who is helping him raise their daughter, Victoria (named after Tony’s mother); and his son, Mark, who has been with him from the very beginning.

Tony is grateful to the many staffers, supporters, sign-holders, and canvassers who have been a part of TEAM CABRAL. He extends a sincere thank you. Tony has a saying, “No one, absolutely no one, works harder.” He hopes the people of New Bedford agree.

Experience

  • New Bedford State Representative (1991 – present)
  • Chairman, Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight (2021 – Present)
  • Chairman, Joint Committee on Bonding, Capital Expenditures & State Assets (2009 – 2020)
  • Co-Chair, Gateway Cities Legislative Caucus (2008 – present)
  • Member, Federal Stimulus Oversight Committee (2008 – 2010)
  • Chairman, Joint Committee on State Administration & Regulatory Oversight (2005 – 2009)
  • Chairman, Joint Committee on Human Services & Elderly Services (2001 – 2004)
  • Chairman, Speaker’s Task Force on Human Services Reform (2003)
  • Chairman, Joint Committee on Election Laws (1999 – 2001)
  • Chairman, Joint Committee on Counties (1997 – 1999)
  • Vice-Chairman, Joint Committee on Insurance (1994 – 1997)
  • Public school teacher

Education

  • Brown University, Graduate Studies
  • University of Massachusetts Dartmouth ’78
  • Bristol Community College ’76
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