Attorney General Maura Healey on Thursday became the second statewide elected official to endorse Jesse Mermell’s campaign for Congress, adding to the momentum behind Mermell’s bid to emerge on top of a crowded primary field in the Fourth Congressional District. Healey, a popular figure among Massachusetts Democrats, called Mermell a “proven progressive leader.”
Her support was announced just hours after her former advisor Dave Cavell suspended his campaign and backed Mermell in what he described as a strategic move to impede the candidacy of Newton City Councilor Jake Auchincloss, who has been criticized recently for past statements on race and religion.
“I’ve worked alongside Jesse for a long time - I’ve seen her commitment to protecting women’s access to reproductive health care, expanding workers’ rights, and advocating for families devastated by the opioid crisis. I’m proud to support Jesse because I know she will fight for the equitable future that the people of Massachusetts deserve,” Healey said in a statement released by Mermell’s campaign.
Healey, who lives in Charlestown, is the second statewide elected official to endorse in the Fourth Congressional District, but unlike Easton resident and state Auditor Suzanne Bump, she does not live in the district. Bump also endorsed Mermell. With Cavell out of the race, eight Democrats are still competing in the Democratic primary that will take place in less than three weeks.
Two super PACs have also stepped up to support Mermell’s candidacy, giving her campaign more financial firepower against competitors like Auchincloss, who have also have super PACs supporting their campaign. Campaigns are prohibited from direct coordination with super PACS.