‘I Have Changed With The Times’: Medford Rep. Paul Donato

MEDFORD, MA — Rep. Paul Donato, who is running for his 12th term as state representative against challenger Nichole Mossalam, said he has changed with the times and is ready to represent Medford and Malden residents for another term.

The statement comes after a group of LGBTQ+ Medford High School students accused Donato of using a photo of them for political gain.

The students claimed Donato, who has historically voted against LGBTQ+ rights, attended Medford pride in June and used a photo of students from Medford High School’s Gay Straight Alliance (GSA) on a campaign flier without them knowing about it.

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However, Donato has he has evolved with the times and now considers himself a supporter of gay marriage and LGBTQ+ rights.

"I want to let the people know that the district [used to be] a much more conservative district than it is today,” Donato said. “At that time, the district sent me a message that they were not in favor of same sex marriage. High ranking Democrats are given a pass when they say they have evolved, but it isn’t okay for me to evolve. I think it's important that the people of Medford and Malden know that the changes in the district have represented the changes I have made.”

"I will continue to work with the citizens and vote towards their needs,” he continued. "I have changed with the times."

Donato has had a hand in historic and precedent-setting legislation on education, family rights, climate change and an overhaul of public health and mental health safety nets, according to his campaign. He was instrumental in the ballot placement of the Fair Share Amendment and ending child marriages in Massachusetts, as well as securing additional Chapter 70 funding for the state.

“It's the passion that I have in my heart to serve the people in this district that keeps me going,” Donato said. “They have basic needs, their needs have changed, and I’ve been there. I want to continue to bring their concerns to the state and bring back opportunities so they can thrive."

"The people of these two communities I think have appreciated what I have done,” he continued.
“And this is what I want to continue to do.”

For more information on Donato’s campaign, click here. Mossalam’s website is available here.