The primary in Massachusetts is just five weeks away, and voters will start casting their ballots soon (indeed, some already may have). And the general election is only 14 weeks away.
Amidst the many races on the ballot this year, we want to spotlight one that can be too often overlooked: District Attorney.
The office of the DA is critical to implementing criminal legal reform and ending the culture of mass incarceration. It has the power of oversight over the prosecutors and staff who handle cases, as well as having power regarding sentencing decisions which can alter people’s lives. We, as voters, can elect DAs who want to change the system, or ones who seek to entrench it.
That’s why we’re proud to endorse Ricardo Arroyo for Suffolk County DA and Rahsaan Hall for Plymouth County DA. Both received more than 98% of the vote in our recent member poll.
Ricardo Arroyo for Suffolk County DA
Ricardo brings strong first-hand knowledge to the DA’s office from his role as a public defender and as city councilor. As a public defender, he worked to help stabilize and connect people to the resources necessary to give them a chance to break cycles of inequity. As a councilor, he sponsored and passed ordinances to ban the use of facial surveillance technology by the Boston Police Department, increase oversight of surveillance acquisition, create the Office for Police Accountability and Transparency, limit the use of rubber-covered bullets and tear gas by BPD, and declare racism a public health crisis. He is running to continue the reform work of DA Rachael Rollins in ensuring that we are not criminalizing poverty, addiction, and mental illness and approaching the work with a systems perspective and a rigorous commitment to data.
Here’s what some of our members said about Ricardo:
“Having a former public defender as district attorney will speak volumes about as well as actualize Suffolk County’s purported commitment to criminal justice. Ricardo Arroyo has been an excellent Boston City Councillor and it will benefit us all to see him continue this work as DA. “
“Ricardo Arroyo’s vision and plans would be transformative for Suffolk County, advancing the culture of the DA’s Office toward community justice. I’m especially impressed with his plans for mental health and ‘crimmigration’ departments, and his policy and training plans to make the reforms sustainable.”
“We need a person in the DAs office who will prioritize anti-racist work to ensure our criminal legal system advances justice and does not perpetuate racist norms.”
Rahsaan brings an wealth of experience to the DA’s office including his work as an Assistant DA in Suffolk County where he worked intensively with community stakeholders on developing a coordinated public safety agenda. He also worked to advance criminal legal reform and racial equity at Lawyers for Civil Rights and ACLU Massachusetts. Rahsaan led the ACLU’s “What a Difference a DA Makes” public education campaign, where he engaged with residents and community groups on how the DA’s offices can address injustices and use harm reduction approaches to provide true public safety by addressing people’s underlying needs. He is a national leader in understanding what power lies within the DA’s office and how to make the office a force for reform and a holistic vision of public safety.
Here’s what some of our members said about Rahsaan:
“Rahsaan has done an incredible job as the director of ACLU Mass’s racial justice program. What a truly special experience it would be for Plymouth County to see him continue that work as district attorney!”
“Rahsaan Hall has been a state and national leader on legal system reforms that prioritize justice and community safety. Plymouth County needs his vision, experience, and skills!”
“Rahsaan’s work with the ACLU and as an ADA shows his deep commitment to justice.”
Learn more about Rahsaan at https://www.hall4da.com/.
The Massachusetts state primary is now less than 7 weeks away: Tuesday, September 6. And the general election is less than 16 weeks away: Tuesday, November 8.
With those dates rapidly approaching, we are proud to release our second group of legislative endorsements for this cycle.
Curious about our process?
You can find all of the comprehensive questionnaires we have received from candidates this cycle so far here and here.
We encourage our chapters to vote on endorsements first so that we can align and amplify their work.
As we believe in the importance of small “d” democracy, all of our endorsements get voted on by our members, and candidates must receive at least 60% of the vote for an endorsement.
This list will be growing soon! We are planning to release more endorsements in the coming weeks, so stay tuned.
But now the endorsees….
7th Essex: Manny Cruz
Manny Cruz is a member of the School Committee in Salem and brings an impressive background in public service. He was formerly the Chair of the Governor’s State Wide Youth Council and a legislative staffers to both Representative Matias. He is currently the Advocacy Director at Latinos for Education, through which he created the Educator Diversity Coalition and helped found the MA Alliance for Early College. He has been a strong advocate for the environment, public education, and reproductive justice, and he has been endorsed by our new Salem chapter.
Margareth Shepard is a former Framingham City Councilor and was the first Brazilian immigrant elected to a City Council in the US, and she has been endorsed by our Framingham chapter. She has served as a member of the MetroWest Commission on the Status of Women, Chair of the Massachusetts Brazilian Citizens Council, secretary of the Brazilian American Center, and board member of the Brazilian Women’s Group, and she founded Brazilians for Political Education to increase voter registration and civic engagement. In these roles, and in her role as a Councilor, she was a major advocate for the Work & Family Mobility Act and a reliable ally for progressives in Framingham.
Where’s the District? Framingham (Precincts 1-8, 9B, 10-16)
Learn More: https://www.margarethforstaterep.com/
9th Middlesex: Heather May
Heather May is an educator at Emerson College, teaching classes in public speaking, debate, mental health, and healthcare policy as well as a community activist in Waltham. Having been active in the push to unionize the non-tenured faculty at Emerson, she understands the value of organizing (something the House certainly needs), and she is running on strong progressive policies and the need for systemic change in the MA House. She is challenging an incumbent with a record of voting in lockstep with the Speaker, if not worse (given the incumbent’s opposition to the 2020 police reform bill).
Zoe Dzineku brings the experiences as an immigrant, a small business owner, a single mother, and a community organizer. As Chair of the Lowell Election Commission, she successfully fought back the City’s attempt to reduce the number of polling locations in the first election with newly drawn Council districts. She has been involved in community organizing with the African community in the Merrimack Valley and with the Merrimack Valley Project, fighting for racial and economic justice. She has channeled that work in her role as a well-regarded Director of Constituent Services in the State Senate. Solidarity Lowell endorsed her, and we are proud to as well.
Tara Hong is a Cambodian immigrant and a community activist in Lowell. He is the Civic Engagement Coordinator at the Cambodian Mutual Assistance Association, where he has worked on voter education and community empowerment. He serves on the board of the Lowell Litter Krewe and Mill City Grows, making sure Lowell is a more sustainable and equitable city. He is running on a strong progressive platform, rooted in transparency, affordable housing, and bold climate action, and he is challenging an incumbent who has voted lockstep with the Speaker (if not worse, given the incumbent’s votes against police reform). Solidarity Lowell endorsed him, and we are proud to as well.
Teresa English is a public school teacher in Lawrence with a lifelong commitment to public service. She is running to fight for increased aid for public schools, bold climate action, stronger worker protections, and a Massachusetts where people can afford to live at any stage of their life. She understands the importance of investing in the future of the Commonwealth and ensuring that government is accessible to the public. She is challenging a Republican incumbent who has one of the most conservative records in the entire State House. Solidarity Lowell endorsed her, and we are proud to as well.
Where’s the District? Billerica
Learn More: https://www.voteteresaenglish.org/
6th Norfolk: Tamisha Civil
Tamisha Civil combines a history of community involvement and strong progressive values. She has been a legal advocate for women and children impacted by domestic violence, a Commissioner for the Eastern Regional Commission on the Status of Women, a committee member for the Diversity and Inclusion for the Massachusetts Trial Court, a volunteer of the Stoughton’s Energy & Sustainability Committee, and a board member of Canton Residents for Sustainable Equitable Future (CR4SEF). She is running against a conservative Democratic incumbent who has opposed the Fair Share Amendment as well as police reform legislation.
Where’s the District? Avon, Canton, Stoughton
Learn More: https://www.tamishacivil.com/
15th Norfolk: Raul Fernandez
Raul Fernandez has been an impressive local leader in the fight for more progressive municipal government, expanding the vision of what’s possible. As a member of the Select Board in Brookline, he chaired the Task Force to Reimagine Policing in Brookline, leading a community process to imagine a crisis response system that puts mental health and well-being first. At Boston University, where he is a lecturer, he co-developed the course “Identity, Inclusion & Social Action,” which helps students to examine systems of oppression and identify opportunities to work toward social justice, and he is a Board Member of the Racial Imbalance Advisory Council at the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. Through both lived and professional experience, Raul understands the urgency of action on the many crises the Commonwealth faces and the need for systemic change to address them.
Where’s the District? Brookline (Precincts 1-4, 5A, 6-12, 17)
The Massachusetts state primary is now less than 10 weeks away: Tuesday, September 6. And the general election is less than 19 weeks away: Tuesday, November 8.
With those dates rapidly approaching, we are proud to release our first group of legislative endorsements for this cycle.
Before rolling out the list, a few words about our process:
You can find all of the comprehensive questionnaires we have received from candidates this cycle so far hereand here.
As we believe in the importance of small “d” democracy, all of our endorsements get voted on by our members, and candidates must receive at least 60% of the vote for an endorsement.
This list will be growing soon! We are planning to release more endorsements in the coming weeks, and endorsements in primary challenges or races where we have an active chapter conducting their own process are mostly still to come.
But now the endorsees….
Norfolk, Worcester & Middlesex State Senator Becca Rausch
State Senator Becca Rausch has a 100% on our Progressive Scorecard, and she’s earned it. She has been a powerful advocate for reproductive justice, climate action, public health, voting rights, and government transparency. She has put forth the most comprehensive plans to modernize our election laws and was one of the most outspoken voices against the inequities of the state’s COVID response, introducing the most comprehensive legislation to advance vaccine equity. She’s an independent voice in a Legislature where independent voices are rare and centers the most marginalized in her policymaking. She’s done great work in her two terms so far and will continue to do so if re-elected. Read Becca’s questionnaire here.
State Representative Erika Uyterhoeven has a 100% on our Progressive Scorecard, and it’s not hard to see why. She is best known as the House’s most vocal advocate for transparency (vital in a chamber that could use some sunshine), but is far more than that. She has put forth the boldest legislation on addressing the climate crisis, championed labor rights and worker ownership, and fought to make sure big companies and large institutions are paying their fair share of taxes. An outspoken voice on housing justice and decarceration as well, she understands that a state like MA needs to be passing agenda-setting policy to meet the urgency of the crises before us. Read Erika’s questionnaire here.
When you talk with Central Mass activists, you’ll often hear Robyn Kennedy’s name. She’s known as a champion of progressive women running for office, helping with all the behind-the-scenes work necessary for first-time candidates to get up and running. She’s also a force in the community: as the Chief Operating Officer of the YWCA of Central Mass, she has played a key role in securing resources for the unhoused during COVID. With deeply held progressive values and the depth of policy and government experience that comes with being the former Deputy Assistant Secretary for Children, Youth and Families, she would be an excellent state senator. Read Robyn’s questionnaire here.
James Arena-DeRosa has an impressive background in public service. Whether as a regional director for the Peace Corps, a regional administrator for USDA Food and Nutrition, or a director of policy advocacy for Oxfam America, he has consistently advocated for the most underserved. His activism spans from the local to the national, from serving on the local Finance Committee and the board of Mass Farmers Markets to advising Democratic presidential candidates on food insecurity and nutrition policy. He understands how issues like poverty and climate change are systemic problems in need of systemic solutions and is ready to fight for them. Read James’s questionnaire here.
Where’s the District? Holliston, Hopkinton, Millis (Precincts 2, 3), Sherborn
Vivian Birchall is a first-generation immigrant from Uganda and a persistent champion of accessible government. When in Uganda, she mobilized members of the Ugandan parliament to pass transparency and anti-corruption legislation. Locally, she produces shows on local and global issues with ActonTV and works with the Town of Acton to increase public access to information about town projects. She has fought to close racial and gender disparities in health care access and empower students of color to use their voices for change, and she would be a powerful voice for economic and racial justice on Beacon Hill and a state representative eager to strengthen small “d” democracy. Read Vivian’s questionnaire here.
Rita Mendes is a first-generation immigrant from Brazil who worked her way up through law school, a City Councilor At-Large in Brockton, and the first Brazilian-American to hold office in the city. She has been a go-to resource for new Americans in Brockton to navigate the homebuying process and the immigration system, and she has played a pivotal role in ensuring that underserved communities in Brockton were able to get the resources they need during the pandemic. Her lived experience and progressive values would make her a powerful advocate for racial and economic justice on Beacon Hill. Read Rita’s questionnaire here.
Where’s the District? Brockton (Ward 1 Precinct A; Ward 2; Ward 3 Precincts A, B; Ward 7)
As a Chelsea School Committee member and a political organizer at the Boston Teachers Union, Roberto Jiménez Rivera has been fighting to make sure that our state delivers on its promise to fully fund public education and ensure that all students have the resources they need to thrive. He has been a central player in statewide coalitions to push back against education privatization and was an active member of the Drawing Democracy Coalition that helped to expand the number of opportunity districts in MA, including this new Chelsea-based district. He understands the importance of organizing both inside and outside the building and will bring a strong equity focus to the work. Read Roberto’s questionnaire here.
Where’s the District? Chelsea, Everett (Ward 2 Precincts 1, 2A)
Sam Montaño brings nearly a decade of community-centered, tenant-focused organizing on issues of housing and equity in Jamaica Plain, bringing deep knowledge of housing legislation from their work with the JP Neighborhood Development Corporation. Beyond housing, Sam has been a community leader. As co-chair of the JP Neighborhood Council and its Public Services Committee, as a board member at the Hyde Square Task Force, as an advisory board member of the Southern JP Health Center, and now serving as the Organizing Director at the environmental justice organization Greenroots, Sam has been fighting for the most marginalized on the ground and will continue to do so in the State House. Read Sam’s questionnaire here.
Where’s the District? Jamaica Plain and part of Mission Hill in Boston (Ward 10 Precincts 4-9; Ward 11 Precincts 4-10; Ward 19 Precincts 1, 4-7, 9)
Some other progressives agree, including Jonathan Cohn, policy director for Progressive Massachusetts, which endorsed Chang-Díaz.
“She’s been a leader on a number of the marquee progressive victories in recent sessions — where she’s been somebody who really did go to bat for those issues,” he said.
Cohn said Chang-Díaz has led on education, transgender rights, criminal justice reform and police accountability. And unlike Maura Healey, he points out that Chang-Díaz supports other big progressive goals, including single-payer health care and debt-free public college.
And with a growing air of inevitability around Healey’s ascension to the governor’s office, Democratic activists are now starting to look ahead to January. Jonathan Cohn, policy director for Progressive Massachusetts, which had endorsed Chang-Díaz, said now is the time for activists and progressive groups to begin having conversations about early priorities for a progressive Democratic governor and a Democratic supermajority Legislature that skews more moderate.
“It’s not clear what are the first things a governor Healey wants to do, or wants the Legislature to do,” Cohn said. “There need to be discussions among groups about what can be pushed early on in her term, both when it comes to executive actions and what having a Democratic governor means for shaping what action looks like in the Legislature.”
Sonia Chang-Díaz has been a proactive, prolific, and progressive state legislator and an ally to movement organizers, which is why our members overwhelmingly voted to endorse her earlier this year. We are disappointed to see that she will not be continuing her campaign for Governor. Throughout her campaign, she has emphasized the need for bold action on ending racial disparities, combating climate change, and investing in our future as a Commonwealth, and we know that she will continue to do so. — Jonathan Cohn, Policy Director of Progressive Massachusetts
Progressive Massachusetts reached out earlier this year to candidates for Secretary of the Commonwealth, Attorney General, and state Auditor with ourcomprehensive policy questionnaire. And then we interviewedthose who filled out a questionnaire last month.
We then sent the question to our members: whom, and whether, to endorse, with a high threshold of 60% for endorsement.
We are thus proud to endorse Tanisha Sullivan for Secretary of the Commonwealth (93% of our member vote), Quentin Palfrey for Attorney General (62% of our member vote), and Chris Dempsey for State Auditor (78% of our member vote).
Secretary of the Commonwealth: Tanisha Sullivan
Tanisha Sullivan has been an inspiration as President of the Greater Boston NAACP, and we are excited by what she could do as our state’s Chief Democracy Officer and Chief Information Officer. Tanisha will be a strong champion for strengthening voting rights in our Commonwealth and knows that democracy is year-round, not just at the ballot box. She would be a creative and proactive leader in ensuring that racial and economic equity are at the center of all aspects of the office’s work, including the office’s role in corporate governance and historic preservation. Massachusetts has, for too often, been a laggard on voting rights and government transparency when we should be a leader. We have the opportunity to change that.
Here’s what our members said about Tanisha:
“Tanisha has demonstrated an understanding of how a more activist SoC can be helpful to all people.”
“She has the background to be successful in this position & has new ideas to make voting easier.”
“Tanisha will be a tenacious defender of voting rights. She will modernize the office, and ensure that everyone’s right to vote will be defended.”
“Tanisha will bring a new perspective to the role and is committed to transparency and connecting more communities across the Commonwealth.”
“I look forward to Tanisha Sullivan serving as the Chief Democracy Officer of the state. Reading her questionnaire made me feel hopeful — like maybe the future is not as grim as it’s been looking.”
“She is a smart progressive woman of color. We need more than transactions. We need transformations.”
“We need this change. Experience means nothing if you aren’t willing to make changes. Tanisha will bring the change we need!”
“Tanisha Sullivan will bring new energy and ideas, and a different lived experience to the job.”
“Tanisha Sullivan is an accomplished attorney & civil rights advocate who will both: bring much needed modernization to the office, and serve as an invaluable & insightful voice on vital issues in Massachusetts and nationally.”
“Tanisha is an amazing candidate who has a great track record working as the President of the NAACP. She will put racial justice first in her work in the Secretary’s office.”
” Tanisha is a breath of fresh air, and her experience as a corporate attorney and as a racial equity advocate will ensure the corporations division expands its role in ensuring economic access to entrepreneurship.”
“Tanisha Sullivan, with her experience of advancing equity and access, will be a fabulous Secretary of the Commonwealth! Her vision of making the office more than procedural – who knew this branch of government could have been doing more all along, even today? We must have election systems that engage more people, historic preservation that represents everyone’s histories, information that is actually accessible, and a corporate division that supports small and micro-businesses that help communities thrive.”
Learn more about Tanisha at https://www.tanishasullivan.com/.
Attorney General: Quentin Palfrey
Whether taking on health insurance and pharmaceutical companies as an Assistant Attorney General, advocating across the country for voting rights, or advising on policy and strategy in Washington, Quentin Palfrey has demonstrated a keen sense of how to use the law to advance and protect the public good. Quentin would be an effective and proactive Attorney General, ready for the work of holding big corporations accountable, protecting the civil rights of all, strengthening our response to climate change, and reforming our criminal legal system.
Here’s what our members said about Quentin:
“Palfrey combines a passion for progressive causes with the knowledge of what the power of the AG office can do.”
“Quentin is strong across all policy areas and has experience working as an attorney in government, working in the office of the attorney general and as a government attorney, and managing large staffs of lawyers at all levels, not to mention doing so for voter protection efforts.”
“Quentin has devoted his career to public service, and he is a highly experienced lawyer who has advocated for progressive causes.”
“He has a long record of supporting progressive policy in public sector legal offices across the United States.”
“Quentin is clearly the most progressive candidate and is someone we can trust to get progressive policy done.”
“Quentin has the clearest plan with keen determination.”
“His experience, passion, and vision are perfect for this moment.”
“He’s got the combination of progressive vision and experience.”
“He’s a high-caliber candidate with a wealth of experience; he’s the only candidate to support all these progressive agenda items that matter to me: single payer health care, safe consumption sites, a cap on charter schools, fare-free public transportation, and ending qualified immunity.”
“Quentin Palfrey’s experience & policy positions are the right fit, full stop. I think Palfrey’s experience in office would better allow him to hit the ground running using the AG’s office proactively from day one.”
“He’s bright, thoughtful and caring. Public service is in his genes. Quentin is a doer. He is strong and committed to issues of importance to me. I share his values. He doesn’t just talk about ideas; he walks the walk and makes things happen.”
“I’m impressed with Quentin Palfrey’s breadth and depth of legal experience across so many different critical areas, and his leadership of huge efforts, including the healthcare division of the AG’s office itself. I can’t imagine anyone more prepared to step right into the role of Attorney General, ready to be the people’s attorney, pushing us toward greater equity, justice, health, and sustainability. Quentin has the experience to interrupt our state’s indefensible practices, and to push or work with other branches of government when either is called for.”
Learn more about Quentin at https://www.quentinpalfrey.com/.
State Auditor: Chris Dempsey
Throughout his career in public service and advocacy, Chris Dempsey has been committed to making state government work better for everyday people—whether that’s through innovations at the Department of Transportation, standing up against special interests and misuse of public funds in the fight against Boston’s Olympic bid, or advocating for equitable and efficient transportation. A systems thinker and a coalition builder, Chris has demonstrated creativity in his approach to what the Office of the State Auditor can do on climate change and police accountability. An Auditor needs to uncover data and then use it to advocate for a better Commonwealth, and Chris has the track record to do it.
Here’s what our members said about Chris:
“I am energized by Chris’s commitment to making the Auditor’s Office the first in the country to incorporate carbon accounting. We need a leader who isn’t afraid to stand up and hold state government accountable for the climate goals we’ve written into law.”
“Chris Dempsey has an expansive vision of the role of the state auditor’s office. He also has the technical and managerial skills to do the job.”
“Chris Dempsey is the clear progressive choice and he has the requisite experience to hit the ground on day one and hold those in power accountable.”
“He’s a strong strategic thinker. What is there to not like about a state auditor who is strategic, has vision, and personal tools to carry it out?”
“Chris’ history of coalition building and his focus on improving government efficiency both financially and with his climate audit make him a clear choice of PM. “
“Chris is smart, courageous & proved his willingness to take on the status quo with his opposition to the Olympics proposal.”
“In his leadership with No Boston Olympics, Chris Dempsey demonstrated his commitment to holding power accountable and to taking on influential special interests. And, Dempsey is a vocal public transit advocate. As someone who wants to see massive public transit investment to improve the quality and accessibility of service, I think Dempsey would be a stronger advocate in statewide office.”
“Chris Dempsey is professional, forward looking and insightful. He has an activist vision for the Auditor’s office.”
“I met Chris when we led the Campaign for No to the Boston Olympics. He took on powerful business leaders to spare us from chaos, wasteful spending that would have put the Commonwealth in debt had we hosted the Olympics. His team argued the facts and prevailed. He showed guts, conviction and didn’t cower when the campaign was backed by power brokers. We need Chris in the Auditor’s office to make sure our tax dollars are spent wisely and in the manner they were intended to be spent.”
“Chris Dempsey brings a whole new vision to what the Auditor’s office can do! He has the values to choose investigations that matter to MA residents, and the experience to both carry out those investigations and make sure the findings are acted on.”
Learn more about Chris at https://dempseyforauditor.com/.
This year, Massachusetts will have open races for Attorney General and Auditor, as well as a contested race for Secretary of the Commonwealth.
These offices, although often overlooked compared to Governor, can and will have a major impact on the future of the Commonwealth and our ability to advance an agenda of equity, justice, democracy, and sustainability.
Progressive Massachusetts reached out to all candidates, inviting them to fill out our comprehensive questionnaire about their policies, priorities, and leadership style. We view these questionnaires as a vital opportunity to educate candidates about issues that matter to progressive voters, get candidates on record, and create a more informed and engaged electorate.
Progressive Massachusetts reached out in late December to gubernatorial and lieutenant gubernatorial candidates with our comprehensive policy questionnaire. In mid-February, we polled our statewide membership on whom and whether to endorse, and the results were clear: Sonia Chang-Díaz for Governor and Tami Gouveia for Lt. Governor.
Each received a commanding 78% of the vote in our member poll, far clearing the 60% threshold required for endorsement.
Each has consistently and persistently demonstrated a commitment to our fundamental mantra that “We all do better when we all do better.” They each bring a deep commitment to equity and justice and a proven track record.
Why Sonia Chang-Díaz for Governor
When we think of the big achievements of our Legislature from the past five years, the bills that were far-reaching and agenda-setting, they have one thing in common: Sonia Chang-Díaz. She has been a leader in the fights to ensure that members of the trans community are able to exist in public life with full respect and access, to reform our criminal legal system, to update our decades-old education funding formula to help close deep inequities, and to strengthen police accountability. And we know Sonia doesn’t only fight: she wins. And she does so by building coalitions both inside and outside the Legislature and by listening to the voices of those most impacted. But she has been more than just a legislator. She brings the experience of a former teacher and a working parent, ready to roll up her sleeves to invest in our commonwealth to make it a better place for current and future generations.
Here is what some of our members had to say about why they support Sonia Chang-Díaz for Governor.
“I have been impressed with Sonia Chang-Díaz since she has been a state senator. I think her focus on education and social justice will bring fresh air to the Governor’s office.”
“Sonia has fought and won in the Senate for so many of our progressive values, like education funding and criminal justice reform. Sonia has proven that she not only shares these values, but can deliver results.”
“Sonia is smart, driven, empathetic, inclusive, and creative. Whereas many politicians take credit for things, Sonia leads and gets things done. I don’t think anybody in state government has more impressive progressive wins in the last decade than Sonia.”
“Sonia is that rare combination of principled and pragmatic. She is clear about where she stands, she sticks to her guns, and knows when to push and stand firm and when to move forward.”
“Sonia Chang-Díaz has a track record of accomplishing big, progressive goals in our Commonwealth. She led on education funding reform and criminal justice reform by highlighting the stories of real stakeholders, and was able to bring reluctant legislators around on these crucial issues.”
“Sonia has a proven record of progressive leadership and getting impossible things done on Beacon Hill. She’s the reformer we need with the vision and principles to make our Commonwealth more equitable and just.”
“Sonia is the only candidate who supports single-payer healthcare. She’s got an extensive track record of progressive stances AND of work done to promote them. The Student Opportunity Act alone was the achievement of a legislator’s lifetime and she was the driving force behind it.”
“Sonia leads with equity in everything she does, and she has demonstrated her commitment to bold progressive change by building large collaborative coalitions to get that change passed.”
Tami Gouveia brings a powerful combination of deeply progressive values and policy expertise, rooted in an understanding that a focus on public health is essential if we want a Commonwealth in which all can thrive. She fought for this goal in her decades as a social worker, leading efforts to protect children from exposure to environmental toxins and to develop a holistic regional approach to the opioid crisis. And she’s done so as a state representative, fighting for both critical community investments and bold, equitable policy solutions. The Lt. Governor can have a powerful role as an advocate and convener, and we are convinced that she will excel in such a role.
Here is what some of our members had to say about why they support Tami Gouveia for Lt. Governor.
“As a public health and social work professional along with being a current elected Rep., she will bring focus to ‘soft infrastructure’ needs like quality and affordable daycare, increasing pay and benefits for caregivers, health and mental health needs, and so much more.”
“Dr. Gouveia has a very consistent track record of fighting for what’s right and what’s good for her constituents without regard to how those votes may affect her ‘career.’ She is a true public servant who can be trusted to always vote her values and not her pocketbook.”
“I have seen the things that Dr. Gouveia has done for her district and what she advocates for in the State House. She listens. She is not afraid to speak up for progressive policies. She pushed early for a strong response to COVID-19 and is in it for the long game – to make things better for all of us. She also advocates for those of us that don’t always get invited to the table. When my district was without a rep, she made herself available to us.”
“Tami Gouveia is a progressive fighter and has not shied away from standing up for her beliefs while a state Senator. I have been impressed with her focus on public health and equity during the pandemic.”
“This moment calls out for a leader with Tami’s unique expertise and experience in public health, social work and building progressive coalitions on Beacon Hill. No one will work harder on behalf of every resident of the Commonwealth.”
“We’ve seen what happens during a pandemic when politicians listen to public health experts and then do whatever they wanted anyway. As a public health expert herself, Tami can help us navigate the end of this pandemic and prepare as best we can for the next one.”
Earlier this week, we sent office-specific, comprehensive policy questionnaires to the candidates for Attorney General, Auditor, and Secretary of the Commonwealth. Stay tuned.
2022 will be a busy year in Massachusetts, with four of our statewide constitutional offices having open races (Governor, Lt. Governor, Attorney General, Auditor) and one contested primary (Secretary of the Commonwealth).
The Governor and Lt. Governor’s races offer Massachusetts an opportunity to shift course from the complacency and conservatism of the Baker-Polito administration. We must make sure that our recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic puts our commonwealth on a more equitable foundation, one that does right by workers, local businesses, and historically disenfranchised communities; one that provides our teachers and students the resources they need to thrive; and one that is rooted in an understanding of the importance of investing in our future, from child care to public education to public transit and beyond. Massachusetts also must address long-standing crises of medical debt, student loan debt, housing instability, runaway climate change, and systemic racism. We have a lot to do, and we need proactive leaders, backed by an engaged public, to do it.
Progressive Massachusetts reached out to all announced and likely-to-announce candidates in December 2021, inviting them to fill out our comprehensive questionnaire about their policies, priorities, and leadership style. We view these questionnaires as a vital opportunity to educate candidates about issues that matter to progressive voters, get candidates on record, and create a more informed and engaged electorate.
If a candidate declined to fill out the questionnaire or submitted a questionnaire after others were publicly posted, they are not included below.
Quick Dates
Primary: Tuesday, September 6 (pending final approval)
General: Tuesday, November 8
Our Endorsement Process
As a membership organization, we put major decisions like endorsements before our members. All candidates who submitted a questionnaire are eligible for consideration for endorsement, although candidates must pass a 60% threshold in our member ballot to be endorsed by Progressive Mass.
Anyone who has donated at least $5 to Progressive Mass over the past year counts as a dues-paying member, and we will be sending out our member ballot on Friday, February 11.
With the resignation of Sen. Joe Boncore (D-Winthrop), the First Suffolk & Middlesex State Senate district will be having a special election next month. The district consists of parts of Boston (East Boston, the North End, Beacon Hill, Downtown Boston, Chinatown, Bay Village, a few blocks of the South End), parts of Cambridge (MIT, Cambridgeport, Riverside), Revere, and Winthrop.
The primary will be Tuesday, December 14, and the general will be January 11.
Two candidates are running in the Democratic primary: Boston City Councilor Lydia Edwards and Revere School Committeeman Anthony D’Ambrosio. (Read their questionnaires here.)
Our members voted, and the results were overwhelmingly clear. We are proud to endorse Lydia Edwards for State Senate.
As a public interest attorney at Greater Boston Legal Services, Edwards was a leader in the effort to pass a Domestic Worker’s Bill of Rights, the first of such kind in the nation. As a city councilor, she has been a leader on housing issues, from strengthening the regulations of Airbnb and corporate short-term rentals to fighting for equitable zoning and a transfer fee on high-end real-estate transactions. She has worked in coalition with groups and electeds across the state on affordable housing policy and authored key eviction sealing legislation, and she was the lead Councilor in the successful effort to reform Boston’s city charter to allow for a more democratic and inclusive budgeting process. The Senate could benefit from such advocacy for workers’ rights and housing justice, and if elected, Edwards would become the only Black woman in the State Senate, bringing a much needed diversity of perspective.
