Rachael Rollins


Rachael Rollins is an American lawyer and politician. She is the District Attorney of Suffolk County in Massachusetts, which includes the municipalities of Boston, Chelsea, Revere and Winthrop. Rollins is the first woman to hold the office of Suffolk County D.A. and the first woman of color to serve as a Massachusetts D.A.

Early life and education

Rollins grew up in Cambridge. Her father was a military veteran, and he was a former corrections officer. She graduated from University of Massachusetts Amherst and Northeastern University School of Law.

Career

Rollins previously served as a federal prosecutor. She has also served as general counsel of the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority and as chief legal counsel of the Massachusetts Port Authority.

District Attorney

Election

During her campaign, Rollins pledged to decriminalize certain low-level offenses, such as shoplifting and drug possession.
She defeated four other candidates in the September 4, 2018 Democratic primary and won the November 6, 2018 general election with 80% of the vote against independent challenger Michael P. Maloney. She took office on January 2, 2019.

Tenure

Rollins succeeded John P. Pappas, who was appointed by Governor Charlie Baker to serve as Suffolk County district attorney from September 26, 2018, completing the final months of Daniel F. Conley's 16-year term.
In her capacity as district attorney, she is requiring prosecutors visit jails, and not only ones that are nearby.
Rollins endorsed Tiffany Cabán in the Democratic primary for Queens district attorney.