George Rogers (Massachusetts politician)

George Rogers (born August 2, 1933 in New Bedford, Massachusetts) is an American politician who served as a member of the Massachusetts General Court and as Mayor of New Bedford, Massachusetts.

Early career

Rogers served as a member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives from 1965 to 1970. In 1969, he was elected Mayor of New Bedford; defeating Brian J. Lawler, the son of former Mayor Francis J. Lawler. In 1971, Rogers lost his reelection campaign to attorney John A. Markey.

Return to the General Court

In 1974, Rogers returned to New Beford politics as a Councilor-at-Large. Later that year he was elected to the Massachusetts Senate. In 1978, Rogers was convicted of conspiracy to steal and bribe. He was sentenced to two years in prison and fined $5,000.

In 1980, Rogers was once again elected Councilor-at-Large, a position he held until 1999 when he returned to the Massachusetts House of Representatives. Rogers was defeated in the 2002 Democratic primary by Freetown, Massachusetts Selectman Mark A. Howland. Rogers' defeat came months after he was accused of showing gay porn to a minor. He would eventually be found not guilty of disseminating pornography to a minor.

Later career

Rogers returned to the New Beford City Council in 2003. He ran for the Democratic nomination for his old House seat in 2004, finishing third behind Stephen Canessa and Mark A. Howland.