The Massachusetts state primary is Tuesday September 3, the day after Labor Day. That’s 6 weeks away. And that will go by fast.
In April, our Elections and Endorsements Committee began sending our comprehensive policy questionnaire to candidates running in contested races for MA House and MA Senate. 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. Read questionnaires we’ve received (for legislative, county, and Governor’s Council races) here.
The Committee reviewed them in May, interviewed candidates, and deliberated to make recommendations. And then we surveyed our members because, as an organization committed to democracy, all of our endorsements must ultimately be approved by our members.
Last month, we announced our first round of endorsements — read more about the candidates here.
And we are proud to share our second round of endorsements for the 2024 cycle. Read more about them below.
Additional Legislative Endorsements
Tara Hong for 18th Middlesex
Tara Hong is a Cambodian immigrant and a community activist in Lowell, and he has been endorsed by our chapter Solidarity Lowell. He is the former Civic Engagement Coordinator at the Cambodian Mutual Assistance Association and has served 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. Learn more about Tara at https://www.tarahong.com/.
Zayda Ortiz for 35th Middlesex
Zayda Ortiz is a community organizer in Malden who has been a leader within Indivisible and Progressive Mass. The daughter of Mexican immigrants, she has been a strong advocate for immigrants’ rights and for anti-racist education. She has complemented policy advocacy with committed work in mutual aid, organizing with Malden Neighbors Helping Neighbors during the peak of the COVID pandemic to ensure that people’s basic needs were met. She is ready to bring this combination of policy ambition and constituent focus to the State House. Learn more about Zayda at https://electzayda.com/.
Governor’s Council Endorsements
What is the Governor’s Council and why you should care: The Massachusetts Governor’s Council consists of eight individuals elected from districts each consisting of five state senate districts. The Council is responsible for confirming judges and members of the Parole Board, among other nominees, and of approving pardons and commutations. If you care about the present and future of courts in Massachusetts, then you should care about the Governor’s Council.
Want to learn more about what the office does? The League of Women Voters has an event next Tuesday (7/30) on “Who Governs the Governor’s Council?”.
Mara Dolan for Governor’s Council District 3
Mara Dolan is a public defender who has seen up close the injustices of the court system and the Parole Board. She is committed to ensuring that our judges uphold reproductive rights and that they better understand the science of brain development and addiction. Mara knows that the Governor’s Council can play a key role in ending mass incarceration and also wants to boost the public understanding of the office itself, which is too often overlooked. Learn more about Mara at https://maradolan.com/.
Stacey Borden for Governor’s Council District 4
Dr. Stacey Borden is the founder and director of New Beginnings Reentry Services and someone who has been fighting for better supports for incarcerated and formerly incarcerated women and girls. As a Black woman and a formerly incarcerated woman, Stacey brings vital perspectives that have never been represented on the Governor’s Council. Stacey’s work has emphasized the importance of building power in Black and Brown communities blended advocacy, rehabilitation, and systemic change. Learn more about Stacey at https://www.stacey4governorscouncil.com/.
