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.”

Learn more about Sonia’s campaign at https://www.soniachangdiaz.com/.  

Why Tami Gouveia for Lt. Governor

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.”

Learn more about Tami’s campaign at https://www.tamigouveia.com/.

What about the Other Statewide Races?

Earlier this week, we sent office-specific, comprehensive policy questionnaires to the candidates for Attorney General, Auditor, and Secretary of the Commonwealth. Stay tuned.

But if you want to mark your calendars now, do so and sign up for our public candidate interviews on Saturday, March 26, from 1 pm to 4 pm.