Middlesex Sheriff Koutoujian Joins Race for the Fifth

A big hat just sailed into the ring in the Race for the Fifth as Middlesex County Sheriff Peter Koutoujian announced his candidacy for US House of Representatives today, Monday, July 1. 

“My family’s story, like so many others in Massachusetts and across the nation, reflects the promise of the American Dream,” said Koutoujian in a video message on Youtube. 

“My parents instilled in me a desire to help people and to try to make a difference in people’s lives. They taught me that when you listen to people, empower people and help them take action, you can change lives for the better.”  

Koutoujian joins a crowded field of candidates who are hoping to succeed Edward Markey representing the 5th District in Washington. 

Current candidates include Belmont resident State Sen. Will Brownsberger, State senators Katherine Clark and Karen Spilka and state Rep. Carl Sciortino.

Of the candidates, Koutoujian is the only one who ran through out most of the Fifth District communities having been re-elected for sheriff in 2012 with 70 percent of the vote. 

The long-time Waltham resident has 24 years of experience in elected office and public service. He began his career as an assistant district attorney before being elected to the Massachusetts House of Representatives, representing Waltham, Watertown and Newton. His focus in the House included health care, financial services, victim’s rights and public safety.

In 2011, Gov. Patrick appointed Koutoujian the Sheriff of Middlesex County after the resignation of James DiPaola.

“We are facing major challenges in Washington: on immigration, on health care, on women’s rights and the environment.  And we need a strong, progressive leader who will stand up for us on those and other issues,” Koutoujian said.