Racial Justice Forum For Candidates Vying For Kennedy's Seat In 4

BROOKLINE, MA — In the wake of social justice rallies across the country and in Brookline and Newton decrying systemic racism, one tool that rally organizers have promoted is the ballot box. It just so happens that residents of the Fourth Congressional District are gearing up to fill the seat Rep. Joe Kennedy is exiting as he runs for the US Senate.

Almost a dozen candidates are vying to represent the district —which spans from Fall River to Newton and Brookline — in the U.S. House of Representatives, including two Republicans and Nine Democrats.

Brookline for Racial Justice and Equity, a coalition with the aim of identifying racial inequality and dismantling structural racism, is hosting a forum to discuss candidate views on racial justice set for Aug. 3.

The CD4 Racial Justice Forum will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom and also streamed live by Brookline Interactive Group in collaboration with cable access stations throughout the 4th Congressional District. A recording on Brookline Interactive Group's website and social media will also be available for later viewing.

Emy Takinami of the group, Brookline Town Meeting Member Malcolm Doldron and Brookline Select Board Member Raul Fernandez will moderate the forum.

"Their questions will press the candidates to move beyond platitudes to provide a deeper understanding of their lived experiences and, critically, their specific policy proposals," according to a news release.

The Primary Election is Sept. 1. and will narrow the nine Democrats to just one and the two Republicans to one. The top two candidates from each party will take on each other in November.

The Fourth Congressional District includes parts of Bristol, Middlesex, Norfolk, Plymouth and Worcester counties. The district stretches from Brookline, Newton, Needham, Wellesley and Hopkinton down to Taunton, Fall River, and the state’s South Coast. It encompasses 34 cities and towns, with a population of 725,000. Barney Frank held the seat from 1981 until Kennedy took over in 2012.

Several candidates, including Tom Shack, of Brookline, Nick Matthew, of Somerville and Herb Robinson, of Newton have stepped out of the race.

The list of Democratic candidates still running:

• Jake Auchincloss, of Newton
• Dave Cavell, of Brookline
• Becky Grossman, of Newton
• Alan Khazei, of Brookline
• Ihssane Leckey, of Brookline
• Natalia Linos, of Brookline
• Jesse Mermell, of Brookline
• Ben Sigel, of Brookline
• Chris Zannetos, of Wellesley

The Republican candidates are retired U.S. Air Force colonel and former city councilor Julie Hall, of Attleboro and retired Defense Department employee, and also a veteran of the U.S. Air Force and the Massachusetts Army National Guard David Rosa of Dighton.

Read more about the: Aug 3 | Congressional District 4th Racial Justice Forum

• To view the live stream head to Brookline Interactive.
• To watch on Zoom as an attendee, register at Brookline Interactive.

Upcoming debates:
The Leagues of Women Voters of Brookline, Needham, Newton, Sharon-Stoughton and Wellesley are set to host a forum with all 11 candidates at 3 p.m. Aug. 5,. Watch the live stream here.

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