Mathew Helman Announces Candidacy for Brodeur's Seat

MELROSE, MA — Mathew Helman, a former Melrose Human Rights Commission member who has worked for several state officials, is one of three Democrats running for the House seat vacated by Melrose Mayor Paul Brodeur.

Helman, who announced his candidacy for the 32d Middlesex District seat in a press release Friday, had already turned in papers before the deadline to get on the Feb. 4 primary ballot. He will be joined Melrose City Councilor Kate Lipper-Garabedian and Wakefield Town Councilor Ann McGonigle Santos.

No Republicans filed papers for the primary.

Helman, of Malden, spent four years as the communications director for State Sen. Jason Lewis. He has also worked on staff for State Sen. Karen Spilka and State Rep. Ruth Balser and on the campaigns for other officials. Helman also worked in the Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center.

"I’m eager to make state government as effective, responsive, accountable, and transparent as it can be for our communities," said Helman. "I have seen firsthand how state government can play a productive, helpful role in people’s lives; and, I understand the obstacles that prevent our state government from doing its best on behalf of the people of Massachusetts."

Helman, a Framingham High graduate, said he is running to tackle MBTA reform and water and sewer rate relief. He also would fight in support of the ROE Act and Safe Communities Act, he said., while pushing for Speaker term limits in the House.

You can visit his website at MatforMA.com.

The 32d Middlesex District includes all of Melrose, Precincts 4, 5 and 6 in Wakefield and Ward 5 Precinct 2 in Malden.