XIARHOS OUTLINES AGGRESSIVE LEGISLATIVE AGENDA FOR 2025-2026
January 14, 2025
BOSTON – Just a few weeks into his third term of office, State Representative Steve Xiarhos (R – 5th Barnstable) has been busy filing legislation to oppose state sanctuary and migrant spending policies and to make Massachusetts safer.
Xiarhos has been a vocal critic of the state’s use of the “Right to Shelter Law” to backstop hundreds of millions of dollars of state spending to fund migrant housing and support. According to Xiarhos, the law never was intended for such purposes, but rather to provide protections to Massachusetts residents in time of need. He has re-filed legislation this session to require that the law only be used to provide benefits to United States citizens.
In addition, Xiarhos has filed legislation to require that state and local officials honor detainer requests for inmates in their custody when requested by federal immigration enforcement officials. He also is pushing for enhanced vetting of migrant populations to weed out known violent criminals who pose a public safety risk, including background checks for those who receive state housing benefits, and he is pushing to require better data sharing between federal, state, and local law enforcement.
“As a grandson of immigrants myself, I emphatically support legal immigration into this country. But, I strongly oppose illegal immigration and the sanctuary policies here in Massachusetts that condone and enable it,” Xiarhos said in a statement. “Due to an open border and callous neglect, immigration into these United States is broken. A palpable sign of that is the number of rapists, violent criminals, and drug dealers who have crossed our border and entered our cities and towns — including right here on Cape Cod. We need smarter state policies to fix the problem, and I am going to fight for better policies on behalf of the Cape Cod residents demanding them.”
As a former Deputy Police Chief, Xiarhos also is pushing for measures to enhance public safety in Massachusetts. New this session, Xiarhos has filed a bill modeled after a recently-passed Florida law, known as the “Halo Act.” The bill would provide greater protections to first responders who are harassed in the line of duty, establishing a 25-foot buffer zone around them if they are threatened and in need of safety measures. Xiarhos also has issued a call to revoke a cashless bail system established statewide last year. In addition, Xiarhos is re-filing several bills to help protect first responders, school officials, and school sports referees on the job, as well as a bill to provide greater protections to corrections officers (“Matt’s Law”). And, he is continuing his push to provide greater protections to police dogs on the job through enhancements to “Nero’s Law,” and to provide care for police dogs in their retirement years (known as “Dakota’s Law”).
“I’m proud of these bills and I look forward to pushing for their passage later this legislative session,” Xiarhos said. “I am also keenly interested in exploring ways to make Massachusetts a more affordable place to live, work, and raise a family, especially as we approach the upcoming state budget process. As a Gold Star Father, I am always looking for ways to help our veterans. As a former Deputy Chief of Police, I am also always seeking ways to support our first responders. I want to make sure we are supporting public education and protecting our fragile environment, especially our coastal areas and our drinking water. I am pushing for greater state oversight of projects that aim to place infrastructure supporting offshore wind energy in residential neighborhoods on Cape Cod. And, I am always looking for opportunities to promote fiscal transparency and accountability within state government.”
Steve Xiarhos was re-elected to a third term as State Representative in the 5th Barnstable District in November 2024. The district currently includes the Town of Sandwich and portions of Barnstable and Bourne. As a Gold Star Father, Xiarhos is well known throughout Cape Cod for his civic and charitable work. In particular, he is known for his sponsorship of Big Nick’s Ride for the Fallen, an annual charitable motorcycle ride organized in memory of Xiarhos’ fallen son, United States Marine Corps Cpl. Nicholas Xiarhos, who was killed in action in 2009. Xiarhos also served as a law enforcement officer in Yarmouth for four decades before retiring as Yarmouth’s Deputy Chief of Police in late 2019. As a State Representative since 2021, Xiarhos has been recognized for his zealous advocacy on behalf of first responders and veterans, and for his support for fiscally-responsible state policies on behalf of taxpayers.
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Former Governor Charlie Baker Endorses Steve Xiarhos for State Representative
October 5, 2024
Steve Xiarhos announced today the endorsement of former Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker in his bid for re-election in the 5th Barnstable District.
In a written statement, Baker said:
“Steve Xiarhos embodies everything right and honorable about public service. I had the pleasure of working with Steve in the Legislature during my time as Governor, and I appreciated the energy, enthusiasm, and pride he brought to serving his constituents. His unwavering support for veterans and first responders stands out, as does his ability to work across party lines. Steve’s successful passage of Nero’s Bill as a freshman legislator was a testament to his dedication and spirit—he’s not your typical politician. He’s someone special.
Steve is working hard to make Cape Cod a better, safer, and more affordable place to live, work, and raise a family. The people of the 5th Barnstable District should be proud to have Steve as their State Representative. He serves with integrity, accountability, and a relentless work ethic. I am pleased to endorse Steve Xiarhos for re-election this November.”
Charlie Baker served as the 72nd Governor of Massachusetts from 2015 to 2023. He previously held cabinet positions in two prior administrations and spent ten years as the CEO of Harvard Pilgrim Health Care. Recognized as one of America’s most popular governors, Baker was known for his practical, bipartisan approach to state government.
Steve Xiarhos has served as State Representative for the 5th Barnstable District since 2021. The district includes the Town of Sandwich and portions of Barnstable (Precincts 10, 11, and 12) and Bourne (Precincts 1, 2, 3, 5A, and 7).
More information about Steve Xiarhos can be found here.
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Xiarhos Receives Backing of Three Members of Sandwich Select Board
September 26, 2024
SANDWICH – Steve Xiarhos is pleased to announce that his candidacy for re-election has been endorsed by three members of the Select Board in the town of Sandwich.
Charles M. Holden, Robert J. George, and Michael J. Miller separately announced their endorsements this week for Xiarhos to serve another two-year term as State Representative for Sandwich. Holden currently serves as Chair of the Sandwich Select Board. George serves as the Board’s Vice Chair, and Miller is a member of the Board.
Former Select Board member David Sampson, who currently serves as Chair of Xiarhos’ re-election committee, said of the endorsements, “The endorsement of a majority of the members of the Select Board in the largest community he represents is quite an impressive statement. As the incumbent, it shows Rep. Xiarhos is a very effective legislator who works closely with local officials and has proven himself capable of delivering vital resources back to the 5th Barnstable District. Whether it’s helping to address regional wastewater issues, helping to secure funding for the Boardwalk, or getting resources for local transportation improvements, Steve has always been there for Sandwich whenever we need him. He always acts with the best interests of Sandwich residents in mind. There is no question in my mind that Steve is the best candidate to continue representing the people of Sandwich on Beacon Hill.”
These endorsements are the latest in a series of recent endorsements announced by the Xiarhos campaign. Other noteworthy recent endorsements include:
• Former Massachusetts Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito
• MA & Northern New England Laborers’ District Council (LIUNA)
• The Professional Fire Fighters of Massachusetts
• The State Police Association of Massachusetts PAC
• Massachusetts Chiefs of Police Association
• Massachusetts Coalition of Police
• The New England Police Benevolent Association
• Plymouth County Sheriff Joseph McDonald
• Boston Police Patrolmen’s Association
• The Sandwich Police Association
• Joint Base Cape Cod Fire Fighters Local S-28
• The Bourne Republican Town Committee
• The Sandwich Republican Town Committee
Xiarhos says his campaign will continue to announce additional endorsements in coming weeks.
Steve Xiarhos has served as State Representative for the 5th Barnstable District on Cape Cod since 2021. The district currently includes the Town of Sandwich and portions of the Towns of Barnstable (Precincts 10, 11, and 12) and Bourne (Precincts 1, 2, 3, 5A, and 7). More information about Steve Xiarhos and his candidacy is available online at www.XiarhosForRep.com.
(This press release is not intended to express or imply an endorsement of Steve Xiarhos by the Town of Sandwich or the Sandwich Select Board as a body politic.)
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Learn More About Steve!

Awards and Recognitions
- Boston Fire Department Local 718 “Friend of the Firefighter” Award (2024)
- Veterans of Foreign Wars (MA) Legislator of the Year (2024)
- American Legion of Massachusetts Legislator of the Year (2024)
- Massachusetts Corrections Officers Federated Union Legislator of the Year (2024)
- Cape Cod Community College Distinguished Alumni Award (2024)
- CONNECT Southeastern Massachusetts Colleges Legislator of the Year (2024)
- Cape Cod Times Citizen of the Year (2023)
- Sandwich Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year (2023)
- American Kennel Club Legislator of the Year (2022)
- International Association of Canine Professionals K9 Nero Law Award (2022)
- New England Police Benevolent Association Legislator of the Year (2022)
- Massachusetts Military Support Foundation Citizen of the Year (2022)

Recent Endorsements




Karyn Polito Endorses Steve Xiarhos for State Representative
September 6, 2024
SANDWICH – Former Massachusetts Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito has officially endorsed Steve Xiarhos for State Representative in the 5th Barnstable District.
Polito announced her endorsement as the special guest at a packed campaign event for Xiarhos at Tomatoes Restaurant in Sandwich on Thursday night.
“I am confident that Steve is the right choice to keep delivering results for the people of Sandwich, Bourne, and Barnstable. I proudly endorse Steve Xiarhos for State Representative in the 5th Barnstable District,” Polito said.
In announcing her endorsement, the former Lieutenant Governor praised Xiarhos for his ability to work in a bipartisan manner to get important projects done for the people of the 5th Barnstable District. “As Lieutenant Governor, I had the privilege of collaborating with Steve Xiarhos on initiatives to make Cape Cod a better place to live, work, and raise a family,” Polito said. She continued, “Together, we addressed many local issues where Steve played a key role in bridging the gap between state and local officials, ensuring critical projects moved forward. He was a trusted partner in our administration, and I greatly appreciated having him in the Legislature. For example, during his first term as a Representative, Steve successfully worked across party lines and united legislators to pass Nero’s law—a remarkable and rare accomplishment in today’s political landscape. It speaks volumes about Steve’s character and leadership.”
Polito also praised Xiarhos for his work on behalf of public safety and veterans issues. “I’ve also known Steve for years through his advocacy for veterans as a Gold Star father and his distinguished law enforcement career,” Polito said. “I am continually impressed by his genuine compassion for everyone he encounters and the unwavering energy he brings to every task he undertakes.”
Xiarhos thanked Polito for her endorsement, saying, “Karyn Polito was a terrific Lieutenant Governor for our state for many years, and it was my honor to have been able to work with her. She was always there for our district whenever we needed her, ready to serve as a trusted partner and a resource for us with anything we asked the state to provide. I am honored and humbled by her endorsement of my candidacy and I very much appreciate her kind words of support.”
Polito’s endorsement is the latest in a series of recent endorsements announced by the Xiarhos campaign. Noteworthy recent endorsements include:
- Former Massachusetts Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito
- MA & Northern New England Laborers’ District Council (LIUNA)
- The Professional Fire Fighters of Massachusetts
- The State Police Association of Massachusetts PAC
- Massachusetts Chiefs of Police Association
- Massachusetts Coalition of Police
- The New England Police Benevolent Association
- Plymouth County Sheriff Joseph McDonald
- Boston Police Patrolmen’s Association
- The Sandwich Police Association
- Joint Base Cape Cod Fire Fighters Local S-28
- The Bourne Republican Town Committee
- The Sandwich Republican Town Committee
Xiarhos says his campaign has received and plans to continue announcing several additional endorsements in coming weeks.
Steve Xiarhos has served as State Representative for the 5th Barnstable District on Cape Cod since 2021. The district currently includes the Town of Sandwich and portions of the Towns of Barnstable (Precincts 10, 11, and 12) and Bourne (Precincts 1, 2, 3, 5A, and 7). More information about Steve Xiarhos and his candidacy is available online at www.XiarhosForRep.com.
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MA & Northern New England Laborers’ District Council Endorses Steve Xiarhos for State Rep.
August 29, 2024
BARNSTABLE, Mass. – Steve Xiarhos has officially received the endorsement of The Massachusetts and Northern New England Laborers’ District Council (a constituent body of the New England Region of the Laborers International Union of North America, “LIUNA”), in his campaign for re-election as State Representative in the 5th Barnstable District.
According to a statement by Joseph Bonfiglio, LIUNA District Council Business Manager, “Rep. Xiarhos is well-acquainted with the challenges faced by working families and tirelessly fights to improve their lives. We know that he doesn’t let up when it comes to advocating for workers and we appreciate partnering with him on Beacon Hill and in his District to deliver for LIUNA members and our communities.”
The Massachusetts and Northern New England Laborers’ District Council is one of seven District Councils making up the New England Region of the Laborers International Union of North America (LIUNA). The District Council’s 30 affiliated local unions are proud to serve and represent over 20,000 hard working men and women across the Northeast. Members of the Council’s affiliated construction unions build the homes, offices, roads, bridges, tunnels, highways and energy infrastructure that Massachusetts depends on. Meanwhile, members of affiliated public sector unions keep municipal governments, housing authorities, hospitals, schools, and cafeterias running year-round.
“It is my distinct honor to be endorsed by the Massachusetts and Northern New England Laborers’ District Council in my campaign for re-election as State Representative,” Steve Xiarhos said. “As a former police officer I myself was a member of a labor union for many years. I respect the importance of organized labor for making sure working men and women earn decent wages so they can support their families, that they have adequate insurance and other benefits to protect them, and that there are sufficient safety measures in-place to keep them safe and secure on the job. I stand together with working men and women here on Cape Cod and it’s my honor to support them on Beacon Hill as their State Representative.”
The endorsement is the latest in a series of recent endorsements announced by the Xiarhos campaign. Noteworthy recent endorsements include:
- MA & Northern New England Laborers’ District Council (LIUNA)
- The Professional Fire Fighters of Massachusetts
- The State Police Association of Massachusetts PAC
- Massachusetts Chiefs of Police Association
- Massachusetts Coalition of Police
- The New England Police Benevolent Association
- Plymouth County Sheriff Joseph McDonald
- Boston Police Patrolmen’s Association
- The Sandwich Police Association
- Joint Base Cape Cod Fire Fighters Local S-28
- The Bourne Republican Town Committee
- The Sandwich Republican Town Committee
Xiarhos says his campaign has received and plans to continue announcing several additional endorsements in coming weeks.
Steve Xiarhos has served as State Representative for the 5th Barnstable District on Cape Cod since 2021. The district currently includes the Town of Sandwich and portions of the Towns of Barnstable (Precincts 10, 11, and 12) and Bourne (Precincts 1, 2, 3, 5A, and 7). More information about Steve Xiarhos and his candidacy is available online at www.XiarhosForRep.com.
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