MassEquality PAC Announces Next Round of 2016 Legislative Endorsements

BOSTON, Mass.– Today, the MassEquality PAC officially announced its second round of endorsements for the 2016 Massachusetts legislative races.

First-time candidates endorsed by MassEquality PAC include:

Senate: Julian Cyr (Cape & Islands)
House: Jack Patrick Lewis (7^th Middlesex)
Juana Matias (16^th Essex)
Jen Migliore (9^th Essex)

“We are proud to endorse these first-time candidates in their races,” said MassEquality Executive Director Deborah Shields, JD, MPH. “We are confident that they will stand out as champions of LGBTQ rights and fight to end discrimination and hate in the Commonwealth.”

Senate incumbent endorsees include:
Senator William Brownsberger (2^nd Suffolk and Middlesex)
Senator Harriette Chandler (1^st Worcester)

House incumbent endorsees include:
Representative Paul Brodeur (32^nd Middlesex)
Representative Robert DeLeo (19^th Suffolk)
Representative David Linsky (5^th Middlesex)
Representative Smitty Pignatelli (4^th Berkshire)
Representative John Scibak (2^nd Hampshire)
Representative Tom Stanley (9^th Middlesex)
Representative Tim Toomey (26^th Middlesex)

“These incumbents have proven themselves as effective and strong supporters of LGBTQ rights on Beacon Hill and in their districts,” Ms. Shields added. “We are pleased to endorse them in their re-election campaigns, and we look forward to continuing to work with them in the State House on issues of importance to the LGBTQ community.”

First-time candidates endorsed by MassEquality PAC on June 16 include:

Senate: Nora Harrington (Norfolk, Bristol & Plymouth)

House: Natalie Higgins (4^th Worcester)

“Both of these candidates are effective advocates and longtime supporters of the LGBTQ community,” said MassEquality Executive Director Deborah Shields, JD, MPH. “Their experience and awareness of LGBTQ issues make them ideally suited to be influential advocates for the community on Beacon Hill.”

Senate incumbent endorsees include:

Senator Sonia Chang-Diaz (2^nd Suffolk)
Senator Cynthia Stone Creem (1^st Middlesex & Norfolk)
Senator Sal DiDomenico (Everett, Middlesex & Suffolk)
Senator Kenneth Donnelly (4^th Middlesex)
Senator Jamie Eldridge (Middlesex & Worcester)
Senator Linda Dorcena Forry (1^st Suffolk)
Senator Pat Jehlen (2^nd Middlesex)
Senator Eric Lesser (1^st Hampden & Hampshire)
Senator Jason Lewis (5^th Middlesex)
Senator Barbara L’Italien (2^nd Essex & Middlesex)
Senator Stan Rosenberg (Hampshire, Franklin, Worcester)

House incumbent endorsees include:

Representative Cory Atkins (14^th Middlesex)
Representative Christine Barber (34^th Middlesex)
Representative Evandro Carvalho (5^th Suffolk)
Representative Mike Day (31^st Middlesex)
Representative Marjorie Decker (25^th Middlesex)
Representative Denise Garlick (13^th Norfolk)
Representative Danielle Gregoire (4^th Middlesex)
Representative Kate Hogan (3^rd Middlesex)
Representative Kay Khan (11^th Middlesex)
Representative Liz Malia (11^th Suffolk)
Representative Jim O’Day (14^th Worcester)
Representative Sarah Peake (4^th Barnstable)
Representative Denise Provost (27^th Middlesex)
Representative Byron Rushing (9^th Suffolk)
Representative Paul Tucker (7^th Essex)

“Our endorsed incumbent candidates have a proven track record as champions of LGBTQ rights, and have consistently supported legislation that is vital to our community,” Ms. Shields added. “We are proud to endorse each of these candidates, and we look forward to working with them in the State House to ensure everyone in Massachusetts enjoys equality and justice.”

For more information about our endorsement process and criteria, please click here.

For more information on the candidates and the MassEquality PAC endorsement process, please visit www.massequalitypac.org.

The MassEquality PAC stands with, develops, and elects candidates who outspokenly champion justice and equality for all LGBTQ people across Massachusetts. Since 2004, the PAC has consistently researched, interviewed and endorsed pro-equality candidates for both state and local offices. The six-member board works tirelessly to ensure that these candidates have the platforms to advocate for equality for all members of the LGBTQ community.

[From a News Release]