Dedham Elects Delegates To State Democratic Convention

DEDHAM, MA - The Dedham Democratic Town Committee (DDTC) last week welcomed a historic number of statewide candidates at its caucus as it elected delegates and alternates to attend the 2022 Massachusetts Democratic State Convention.

State Representative Paul McMurtry and State Senator Mike Rush opened the virtual event by greeting the attendees and welcoming the special guests to the district. More than 50 people attended the caucus.

Prior to electing the delegates, the group had the opportunity to hear from several candidates who will be running for statewide office in the 2022 election, including gubernatorial candidates Attorney General Maura Healey and Sen. Sonia Chang-Diaz.

The Democratic candidates for Lieutenant Governor—Bret Bero, Rep. Tami Gouveia, Sen. Adam Hinds, and Sen. Eric Lesser—spoke next. They were followed by the three Democratic Attorney General candidates: Boston City Councilor Andrea Campbell, Shannon Liss-Riordan and Quentin Palfrey. Secretary of State Secretary Bill Galvin and his challenger, Tanisha Sullivan also spoke about their qualifications. Candidates for State Auditor, Chris Dempsey and Sen. Diana Dizoglio, shared their pitches with the group.

The strength and depth of the Democratic talent was on full display and attendees were excited by the strong field of experienced and intelligent candidates who will fight for working families, according to spokesperson Amy Paxson.

"With caucuses taking place that night in other communities around the state, it speaks to the activity and influence of the Dedham Democrats that all of these candidates prioritized attending Dedham’s meeting," she said.

After the candidates’ speeches, the DDTC members got down to the business of electing their delegates to the state convention. Elected to represent Dedham were Stephen Acosta, Lindsay Barich, Rita Chapdelaine, Eldon Clingan, John Kyriakis, Gemma Martin, Alix O'Connell, Adelaide Pagano, David Phillips, Amy Paxson, Jessica Porter, Joe Rich, Arthur Rich, Hannah Ryan, Tom Ryan, Noreen Troccoli, Molly Uppenkamp, and alternate Monika Wilkinson. DDTC Chair Mark Reilly and McMurtry also attend and vote as ex officio delegates. Alternates may attend the convention but may only vote if replacing an elected delegate who is unable to attend.

The 2022 Democratic state convention will be held June 3 and 4 at the DCU Center in Worcester, where Democrats from across the state will come together to vote on which statewide candidates will be on the primary ballot in September. Specifically, a candidate must obtain 15% of votes from the convention delegates to remain in the race and appear on the ballot and any candidate who receives 50% or more of the vote will receive the endorsement of the convention.

If you are interested to learn more or wish to help these candidates or otherwise get involved in Democratic activities, please contact Committee Chair Mark Reilly at (617) 462-1022 or email DedhamDemCommittee@gmail.com.