Two months after winning their seats, the region’s seven new lawmakers are gearing to start working on issues ranging from the high cost of health care to advocating for local aid.

“It’s been a terrific year and it was a great experience campaigning,” said state Senator Joan B. Lovely,  a Salem Democrat elected in November to succeed veteran Peabody Democrat Frederick E. Berry in the 2d Essex District. “I’m just thrilled the voters trusted me to put me in this office and I can’t wait to get going.”