"We Need Someone Who We Can Count On”: Medford Rep. Candidate Mossalam

MEDFORD, MA — Democrat Nichole Mossalam, who is challenging 11-term State Rep. Paul Donato to represent Medford on Beacon Hill, said she believes that many residents feel underrepresented under the city’s current leadership.

The statement comes after a group of LGBTQ+ Medford High School students accused Rep. Paul 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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“There are many people who feel underrepresented, especially LGBTQ [individuals] and women because our bodily autonomy is under attack,” Mossalam said. "I believe we need someone who we can count on 100 percent who can protect every single resident in our district."

"I think it is important for each community to feel heard and represented, and because I am an ally of the LGBTQ community and don't identify as a member, I'm going to take my lead from them,” she continued. "So if they’re the ones saying they’re not being heard, we have to listen to them. We have to go off of what’s recorded in the voting area, so its up to the LGBTQ community whether [Donato] has evolved or not. And it seems they have spoken loud and clear."

Mossalam is the former chair of Malden's Disability Commission, former co-chair of progressive advocacy organization Our Revolution Massachusetts and the founding director of The Islamic Cultural Center of Medford.

Her campaign was on its fourth knock through on Friday and has knocked on over 25,000 since its launch.

“We are prioritizing one-on-one connections and a unifying message that resonates with the community,” Mossalam said.

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