FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 14, 2020
Democrats Rally Behind Mermell in Wake of Race Shift
BROOKLINE – Jesse Mermell’s campaign drew significant new support in the hours after yesterday’s monumental shift in the Fourth District race for Congress, bringing the total number of current and former electeds to endorse her campaign above 100.
Six more Massachusetts Democrats are throwing their support behind Mermell just a day after Attorney General Maura Healey, Planned Parenthood Action Fund and former MA-04 candidate Dave Cavell shook up the race with key endorsements.
In a clear sign that Thursday’s game changing endorsements are influencing Democrats to coalesce around Mermell as the best candidate to lead on the Fourth District’s progressive values in Congress, Mermell received six new endorsements on Friday from: Brookline Select Board Member Raul Fernandez, Brookline Town Meeting Members Kate Silbaugh, Peter Frumkin, and Tracie Burns, former North Attleboro Selectman Patrick Reynolds, and Chairperson of the Easton Democratic Town Committee Craig Barger.
“It’s time for CD4 to come together and support the progressive candidate with the best shot at winning this,” said Fernandez. “Jesse Mermell is astute, prepared, and determined. She knows that the stakes are high and that there’s much work to be done, and she understands how to craft policies that center marginalized communities because she’s already done it. She’s also built an unbelievable coalition of educators, service workers, pro-choice advocates, and social justice leaders. Most importantly, I know we can count on Jesse to fight for those who need it most. That’s why I’m proud to stand alongside Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley and so many other great leaders in endorsing Jesse Mermell for Congress.”
“Jesse has great positions on the environment, healthcare, the economy, labor and infrastructure, seeing them through the lens of equity and justice,” said Frumkin. I’m impressed by how clearly and well thought out her platform is. She’ll start on day one ready to go.”
“Jesse would bring a unique mix of passion for progressive causes, connection to people, and political skill to Congress,” said Silbaugh. “Her experience and her energy are unmatched, and she’s results-oriented. I would be thrilled to be represented by such a sharp optimist.”
“Watching the race for the 4th District, I noticed early on that nobody works as hard as Jesse Mermell,” said Reynolds. “As a former Selectman, I know Jesse’s experience in local government prepares her to address the challenges municipalities are facing from the Coronavirus pandemic. She’s made it clear from the way she has campaigned in every part of the district that she will effectively represent all of her constituents as our next Congresswoman.”
“The Fourth Congressional District in Massachusetts has a rich heritage of extraordinary Representatives, Father Robert Drinan, Barney Frank and Joe Kennedy,” said Barger. “Jesse shares many of the same qualities demonstrated by these men. Her work in the Patrick Administration , her senior role with Massachusetts Planned Parenthood and her role as a member of the Brookline Select Board has prepared her to hit the ground running in Washington. She has run a grassroots campaign with hundreds of volunteers and without ‘dark money’. I share her values and her commitment to the citizens of the Fourth District. I look forward to working with Jesse now on the campaign and in the near future when she assumes the role of Congresswoman.”
Also endorsing Mermell today is Brookline Town Meeting Member Tracie Burns.
Mermell’s campaign has surged in recent weeks as she builds the strongest grassroots coalition in the crowded field. She has also been endorsed by Congresswoman Pressley, NARAL, SEIU, the Massachusetts Teachers Association, the Massachusetts Nurses Association, IBEW Local 103, United Auto Workers Region 9A, the Coalition for Social Justice and many more. A full list of endorsements can be found here.
Election Day is September 1st but voters can vote-by-mail now or vote early in person beginning on August 22nd.