[2] Galvin's first attempt for public office came in 1936, when he was narrowly defeated for a seat in the Massachusetts House of Representatives.
The following year he defeated incumbent James J. Mellen for the Ward 2 seat on the Boston City Council.
This position was responsible for managing Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market.
[3] Galvin was married to Ella Swanson, a special education instructor.
[7] In 1956, one of his daughters, Kathryn, married Kevin H. White, the son of Boston City Councilor Joseph C.