Sciortino Raises Over $150K for Congressional Race

– Allison Goldsberry

State Representative Carl Sciortino has raised nearly $155,000 for his Congressional campaign, according to a statement released by his campaign.

According to the campaign, Sciortino received contributions from 750 donors, with an average contribution of $200.

“I am deeply honored to have the support of so many people committed to progressive leadership in Congress,” said Sciortino. “This strong start to our campaign shows that we will have the resources to take our message directly to the voters of the Fifth Congressional District.”

Sciortino, a Medford Democrat, announced his candidacy in February. He would run for Congress if current Congressman Ed Markey is elected to the Senate.

Rep. Sciortino was first elected to the State House in 2004 at the age of 25. He is one of the state’s seven openly gay legislators. He has been an advocate for LGBT rights, a supporter of the Green Line extension to Medford and Somerville, and has worked to close corporate tax loopholes and increase the minimum wage. The Tufts University grad lives in Medford with his fiancé.

Both Sciortino and Markey were re-elected to their current positions in November for new two year terms. If Markey, the so-called front runner for the open US Senate seat, advances past the primary on April 30, and wins the special election in June, another special election will be held to fill his seat.