Holliston's Arena-DeRosa Receives Mass Nurses Association Endorsement

HOLLISTON, MA - James Arena-DeRosa of Holliston, a candidate for the 8th Middlesex State House District, was endorsed on Thursday by the Massachusetts Nurses Association.

"The MNA enthusiastically announces its endorsement of James Arena-DeRosa for State Representative in the 8th Middlesex District,” said MNA President Katie Murphy, a practicing ICU RN. “James is committed to the issues that matter most to our nurses, healthcare professionals and patients - like comprehensive workplace violence prevention laws, improved workplace safety and ensuring the voices of frontline healthcare workers are heard on Beacon Hill.”

The MNA is the largest union and professional association of registered nurses and health professionals in the state, and the third largest in the nation. It represents more than 25,000 members working in 85 health care facilities, including 51 acute care hospitals, as well as a growing number of nurses and health professionals working in schools, visiting nurse associations, public health departments and state agencies.

Arena-DeRosa said he was inspired to a career in public service because of his mother, who was a nurse.

“I’m grateful for the support of the Massachusetts Nurses Association,” said Arena-DeRosa. “I was raised by a nurse and MNA member. My mom, Vera DeRosa, taught me the importance of public service, civic engagement, and strong public health institutions.

"From her, I know the challenges that nurses and health professionals face, especially during the incredibly turbulent and unstable COVID-19 years," he continued. "Therefore, I’m committed to being a strong ally to the MNA’s causes and issues if elected as state representative.”

Arena-DeRosa said he is running for state representative to give the district's suburban communities of Holliston, Hopkinton, Sherborn and part of Millis" a seat at the table."

"Together, we will ensure that the political process in Boston does not overlook small towns in conversations about infrastructure, climate change, elder care, the retention of young talent, and education," he added.

Arena DeRosa has decades of experience in public service from his roles with Oxfam America, the Peace Corps, and the United States Department of Agriculture in the Obama administration.

The 8th Middlesex State House District includes Holliston, Hopkinton, Sherborn, and precincts two and three of Millis. The seat has no incumbent after Rep. Carolyn Dykema’s resignation in February.

Rep. David Linsky’s 5th Middlesex District no longer includes Millis and Sherborn.

For more information about Arena-DeRosa candidacy, please visit jamesforstaterep.com.