A Pittsfield native, Senator Downing received his B.A. in Political Science from Providence College (2003). In May 2008, he received a M.A. from Tufts University’s Department of Urban and Environment Policy & Planning.

Before returning to Pittsfield, Senator Downing lived in Washington, D.C. working for U.S. Representatives William Delahunt (D-Quincy) and Richard E. Neal (D-Springfield), before joining the staff of U.S. Representative John W. Olver (D-Amherst).  For nearly 2 years, he served as Congressman Olver’s senior advisor on housing, budget, tax, homeland security and foreign affairs. 

Senator Downing’s family has a long history of public service.  He is the oldest of four children (Maggie, Nate & Nick) raised by late Berkshire District Attorney Gerard and Pamela Downing.  

Currently, Senator Downing serves as the Chair of the Joint Committee on Revenue and the Vice Chair of the Joint Committee on Higher Education. Previously, the Senator has served as Chair of the Senate Committee on Ethics & Rules and the Joint Committee on Public Service. In these positions, Senator Downing has served as a voice for the needs of western Massachusetts, advocating for expanded broadband internet service, renewable energy & conservation, and government reform. Besides the Senator's committee service and legislative agenda, he has served as member of any number of appointed panels and commissions, most recently serving as a member of Governor Patrick's Public Integrity Task Force, whose recommendations were included in a sweeping ethics reform signed in to law in the Spring of 2009.