Progressive Massachusetts Endorses Pat Jehlen for Re-election

Progressive Massachusetts has endorsed Pat Jehlen for the September 8th Democratic primary for the 2nd Middlesex Senate district.

“We looked at primaries across the state to find races with clear progressive champions running. Pat Jehlen is a passionate and committed advocate for the issues we care about and has always been a strong ally in the legislature to Progressive Massachusetts,” said board president Susan Davidoff.

Davidoff said that the organization asked all candidates seeking an endorsement to fill out a comprehensive questionnaire covering issues of revenue/taxation, economic development, education, healthcare, housing, good government, social and racial justice, and sustainable infrastructure. The questionnaires were made available for review, and the Progressive Massachusetts membership voted on whom to endorse. According to Davidoff, the support for Jehlen was “overwhelming.”

Davidoff noted that many members cited Pat Jehlen’s leadership on education-related issues.

“Pat Jehlen has consistently been a strong supporter of progressive causes, especially public education, and she has superb constituent services. You can always count on Pat to personally get back to you. We need more people like Pat as our elected representatives!” said Medford resident Alicia Hunt.

Pat Jehlen is running for reelection and has represented the 2nd Middlesex District, which includes Somerville and Medford as well as parts of Cambridge and Winchester, since 2005.

Progressive Massachusetts is a statewide, grassroots organization working towards a future of equal opportunity, social and economic justice, consumer and environmental protection, health care as a right, equal access to quality public services, respect for all residents, and accountable and transparent government. It was founded 5 years ago by local organizers from the Patrick and Obama campaigns in order to continue to move forward progressive values and issues in Massachusetts. In addition to electoral organizing, Progressive Mass engages in issue advocacy, such as with the Fight for $15, the Raise Up Massachusetts campaign for the Fair Share amendment, and the push to enact paid family and medical leave.

Progressive Massachusetts has also endorsed Monica Cannon in the 7th Suffolk House race, Jack Patrick Lewis in the 7th Middlesex House race, Mike Connolly in the 26th Middlesex House race, and Moses Dixon in the 17th Worcester House race.

The state legislative primary is Thursday, September 8.

– Submitted by Progressive Massachusetts