Brookline's Tom Shack Ends Congress Bid, Endorses Cavell

BROOKLINE, MA — Brookline resident Tom Shack, a former prosecutor and state comptroller, announced he is dropping out of the race for the 4th Congressional District seat and threw his support behind Brookline's Dave Cavell, a former Obama speechwriter.

That drops the number of candidates vying to replace Rep. Joe Kennedy, who is running for Senate, to 11. Shack, who had only been in the race for about three months, said Friday he wasn't able to get the required signatures to get on the ballot.

"A true leader and unifying influence, Dave brings the legal, political, and personal acumen necessary to effectively fight for the people of the 4th District as we emerge from the greatest human and economic challenge in a generation," Shack said in a news release. "There is no issue more important at this moment and no time for on the job training – Dave Cavell is ready to lead on day one."

Shack called Cavell a friend and described him as an empathetic and compassionate leader.

The endorsement came the same day as yet another Brookline resident announced she was joining the crowded race.

Read more: Brookline's Natalia Linos To Run For Congress

Ihssane Leckey, of Brookline, was the first to declare she was running in May 2019, expecting to challenge Kennedy. Brookline resident Alan Khazei, who co-founded City Year, announced his candidacy that September. In October, former Brookline Selectwoman Jesse Mermell became the third Brookline resident to announce she was running, followed by Dave Cavell. Newton City Councilors Becky Walker Grossman and Jake Auchincloss also both jumped in the race.
The list of Democratic candidates includes:

• Jake Auchincloss, of Newton
• Dave Cavell, of Brookline
• Becky Grossman, of Newton
• Alan Khazei, of Brookline
• Ihssane Leckey, of Brookline
• Nick Matthew, of Somerville
• Jesse Mermell, of Brookline
• Herb Robinson, of Newton
• Tom Shack, of Brookline (Dropped out, endorsed Cavell.)
• Ben Sigel, of Brookline
• Chris Zannetos, of Wellesley

The Republican candidate is Julie Hall, of Attleboro.

The 4th Congressional District includes parts of Bristol, Middlesex, Norfolk, Plymouth and Worcester counties. Before Kennedy was elected in 2012, Barney Frank held the seat since 1981.

"Having brought a creative and caring mindset to state leadership, Tom Shack’s reputation for integrity, service, and collaboration are unrivaled," Cavell said, thanking Shack for his endorsement. “I am honored to have Tom’s support and I look forward to working together in the months and years to come.”

Read more:

• Leckey Of Brookline Runs For Congress
• Candidate For Congress: Brookline's Alan Khazei
• Joe Kennedy Announces Run For Senate
• Newton City Councilor Jake Auchincloss Announces
• Newton's Grossman Declares Run For Kennedy House Seat (Sept.24)
• Candidate For Congress Jesse Mermell: Civic Engagement Runs Deep (October)
• Dave Cavell, Another Brookline Resident Runs For Congress (Oct.19)
• Brookline's Natalia Linos To Run For Congress

Patch reporter Jenna Fisher can be reached at Jenna.Fisher@patch.com or by calling 617-942-0474. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram (@ReporterJenna).