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 here and 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.
Where’s the District? Bellingham, Dover, Franklin, Medfield, Milford, Millis, Needham, Norfolk, Plainville, Sherborn, Wrentham
Learn More: https://www.beccarausch.com/
27th Middlesex: Erika Uyterhoeven
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.
Where’s the District? Somerville (Ward 1 Precinct 4A; Ward 2 Precincts 1, 2, 3, 4; Ward 3; Ward 4 Precinct 2A; Ward 5; Ward 6 Precincts 1, 2, 3, 4)
Learn More: https://www.electerika.com/
First Worcester: Robyn Kennedy
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.
Where’s the District? Berlin, Bolton, Boylston, Northborough, West Boylston, Worcester (Ward 1-3 inclusive; Ward 4 Precincts 2, 3; Ward 6 Precinct 3; Ward 7 Precinct 1, 3; Ward 8 Precincts 1, 2, 3, 4, 6; Ward 9 Precincts 1, 2, 3A, 5, 6; Ward 10)
Learn More: https://kennedy4senate.com/
8th Middlesex: James Arena-DeRosa
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
Learn More: https://www.jamesforstaterep.com/
14th Middlesex: Vivian Birchall
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.
Where’s the District? Acton (Precincts 1, 2, 6, 7), Carlisle, Chelmsford (Precincts 7, 8, 9, 10, 11), Concord (Precincts 1, 2, 3A, 5)
Learn More: https://www.vivianbirchall.com/
11th Plymouth: Rita Mendes
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)
Learn More: https://ritamendes.com/
11th Suffolk: Roberto Jiménez Rivera
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)
Learn More: https://electroberto.org/
15th Suffolk: Sam Montaño
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)
Learn More: https://www.samforboston.com/
