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Massachusetts has the LEAST COMPETITIVE state legislature elections in the country — and it’s honestly terrifying to see that, because of this lack of competitiveness, how few of our representatives we’re able to hold accountable.
Massachusetts has the LEAST COMPETITIVE state legislature elections in the country — and it’s honestly terrifying to see that, because of this lack of competitiveness, how few of our representatives we’re able to hold accountable.
The whole point of 2-year terms is that every year, our representatives have to return to their constituents and ask them if they’ve been doing a good job — and to prove themselves worthy of re-election.
In 2020, only 21 out of 151 Dem State Reps/Senators running for re-election have primary challengers — 14%.
Only 21 Dem State Reps/Senators are being forced to stand behind their record and answer to the people.
Only 21 Dem State Reps/Senators are being forced to stand behind their record and answer to the people.
Statistics like these are why there are 5x as many State Senators named "Mike" as there are State Senators who are women of color.
Why the legislature is 29% women (compared to 52% of the population), and 8% people of color (compared to 21% of the population).
Why the legislature is 29% women (compared to 52% of the population), and 8% people of color (compared to 21% of the population).
Statistics like these are why, with an 80% and 90% Dem supermajorities, the State House and Senate have voted down same-day voter registration, drivers licenses for undocumented immigrants, a teargas ban, ending qualified immunity, and so many other basic progressive bills.
Nearly all of the Reps/Senators without primary challengers are not even campaigning — most are absent in their communities and anonymous to their constituents!
Most people I know have no idea who they are represented by in State government! I didn't until just over a year ago!
Most people I know have no idea who they are represented by in State government! I didn't until just over a year ago!
Yet they win re-election every single year, and become more and more comfortable voting for the status quo and standing with corrupt leadership and the centrist Beacon Hill establishment.
They don't have to fundraise from the people, since they're backed by PACs and/or dark $.
They don't have to fundraise from the people, since they're backed by PACs and/or dark $.
Campaigning even when you don’t have a challenger is GOOD — campaigns build community, increase voter turnout, and engage constituents.
For example, my Congresswoman @AyannaPressley has been doing a lot of voter education and community engagement this cycle!
For example, my Congresswoman @AyannaPressley has been doing a lot of voter education and community engagement this cycle!
The fact that MA also has some of the worst state government transparency does NOT help this issue.
Half the time, we can’t even legally access our reps’ voting records (since most progressive bills are killed in committee, and committee votes are behind closed doors).
Half the time, we can’t even legally access our reps’ voting records (since most progressive bills are killed in committee, and committee votes are behind closed doors).
TL;DR — primary challenges are GOOD, and desperately needed in the MA state legislature. Run for State Rep or State Senator. And if you’re lucky enough to have a progressive challenging your incumbent this year, VOTE FOR THEM!
