BOSTON — In Massachusetts, four Democratic incumbents are preparing to defend their seats in the U.S. House against challengers, while five other Democrats are running unopposed in the upcoming election. The Congress is historically dominated by the Democratic Party, making it difficult for Republicans and independents to secure seats. Notably, no Republican has been elected to the U.S. House in Massachusetts for close to thirty years.
Among the unchallenged Democratic candidates seeking re-election for another two-year term are Lori Trahan, Jake Auchincloss, Katherine Clark, Seth Moulton, and Ayanna Pressley.
In the 1st Congressional District, veteran U.S. Representative Richard Neal is facing an independent contender, Nadia Milleron. Neal, who has served since 1988, represents the state’s largest district in the western and central areas and currently holds a significant role as the top Democrat on the House Ways and Means Committee. His campaign priorities focus on improving tax fairness, enhancing healthcare access, combating climate change, and safeguarding Social Security.
Milleron, related to consumer advocate Ralph Nader, decided to run after the tragic loss of her daughter in the 2019 Boeing 737 Max crash in Ethiopia. She has advocated for new aviation safety legislation, asserting that her personal experience motivated her involvement in policy changes to ensure safer air travel.
In the 2nd Congressional District, U.S. Representative James McGovern is being challenged by independent Cornelius Shea. McGovern, who has served since 1996, represents Worcester, Massachusetts’s second-largest city. He is recognized for championing human rights, particularly in Tibet, advocating for campaign finance reform, and promoting social justice, while also expressing strong opposition to the Republican Party’s actions during the Trump administration.
Shea, a retired Marine who transitioned to teaching in Worcester, is vocal about his concerns for America’s future. He highlights issues such as illegal immigration, drug-related crises, terrorism, and the escalating costs of healthcare in his campaign messaging.
In the 8th Congressional District, U.S. Representative Stephen Lynch is running for reelection against Republican Robert Burke. Lynch has been a member of Congress since 2001, representing various parts of Boston. Known for his prior work as an ironworker, Lynch serves on the Financial Services Committee and leads the Subcommittee on Digital Assets, Financial Technology, and Inclusion.
Burke identifies himself as an amateur journalist and says he aims to attract voters from across the political spectrum who are frustrated with current border management policies. He argues that state funds allocated for migrants should have been directed toward local issues like education and infrastructure.
Lastly, in the 9th Congressional District, U.S. Representative Bill Keating is contending against Republican Dan Sullivan for another term. Keating, in office since 2010, represents notable areas such as Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard, and Nantucket. He is actively involved in the House committees focusing on Foreign Affairs and Armed Services and has been pushing for federal support to repair two essential bridges spanning the Cape Cod Canal.
Sullivan, a nurse, emphasizes that he can offer a new outlook for Washington. He supports stringent measures against drug distribution while advocating for rehabilitation approaches for addicts. Additionally, he is committed to enforcing immigration laws and prioritizing legal immigration pathways for individuals with skills in STEM disciplines.