SHUTESBURY — The 7th Hampden Coalition is sponsoring a meet-and-greet to introduce Aaron Saunders, Democratic candidate for state representative for the reconfigured 7th Hampden District, on Sunday, Sept. 18, from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Shutesbury Athletic Club, located at 282 Wendell Road.
Saunders, a 42-year-old Belchertown resident, is a first-time candidate for state office, although he served for six years as chief of staff to former Sen. Gale Candaras and was on the Ludlow Selectboard for seven years. He also worked in U.S. Sen. John Kerry’s western Massachusetts constituent services office. The Ludlow native is a 2003 graduate of the University of Massachusetts Amherst, where he majored in political science.
Saunders looks to succeed fellow Democrat Jake Oliveira as state representative for the 7th Hampden District, which was reconfigured in redistricting following the release of the 2020 U.S. Census. Starting in January 2023, the 7th Hampden District will include the towns of Belchertown, New Salem, Pelham, Shutesbury, Ludlow, Petersham and Wendell. Under the current district map, this collection of towns is being represented by Oliveira, Natalie Blais, Susannah Whipps and Mindy Domb.
According to a notice from New Salem resident Mary-Ann Palmieri of the 7th Hampden Coalition, Whipps, Domb and Blais, who are running for election in November to serve in their own reconfigured districts, and Oliveira, who is running for state Senate, will attend Sunday’s meet-and-greet to pass the torch to Saunders and introduce him to constituents from towns they have represented. Light refreshments will be served and beverages will be available.
Saunders’ opponent in the Nov. 8 general election is Republican Chip Harrington of Ludlow.
Mark gains two more endorsements in Senate campaign
As state Rep. Paul Mark continues to campaign to represent the Berkshire, Hampden, Franklin and Hampshire District in the state Senate, he has gained endorsements from the Planned Parenthood Advocacy Fund and the Neighbor to Neighbor Action Fund.
“As millions of people lose access to abortion and politicians threaten to restrict all reproductive rights across the country, we need elected leaders that are bold, effective, unapologetic champions for sexual and reproductive health and rights to ensure Massachusetts remains a beacon for reproductive freedom and a safe place to access care,” Dr. Jennifer Childs-Roshak, president of the Planned Parenthood Advocacy Fund of Massachusetts, said in a statement. “As state senator, Paul will prioritize advancing reproductive health equity in Massachusetts, dismantling barriers to care, and ensuring safe, legal abortion is accessible to all.”
“I am very excited to announce the endorsement of the Planned Parenthood Advocacy Fund and the Neighbor to Neighbor Action Fund,” Mark said in a statement. “These organizations know the work I’ve done in the House and the work I will continue to do in the Senate.”
Mark received the Democratic Party nomination for state Senate in the Sept. 6 primary, defeating primary opponent Huff Tyler Templeton III. He now moves on to the Nov. 8 general election, where he will face unenrolled candidate Brendan Phair of Pittsfield.