State Rep. Andy Vargas Announces 1st Essex State Senate Run

NORTH ANDOVER, MA — State Rep. Andy Vargas is running for the 1st Essex District of the state senate, he announced Tuesday.

Vargas, a Haverhill Democrat, represents the 3rd Essex District in the Massachusetts House.

The 1st Essex District is currently represented by Diana DiZoglio, a Methuen Democrat who is running for state auditor.

The district includes Amesbury, Haverhill, Merrimac, Methuen, Newburyport, North Andover and Salisbury.

"I’m running for state senate because I believe we have a once in a generation opportunity to make sure every kid gets a fair shot at their full potential, regardless of the home they’re born into," Vargas said in a statement. "It’s these same values and dreams that brought my family to the Merrimack Valley, and it’s why I got into public service. I’m grateful to begin this campaign with the support of so many across the district, and I promise to keep working for every individual and family in our community."

Vargas, a Haverhill native, was elected to the Haverhill City Council at age 22 in 2015 and then to the statehouse two years later. He is the vice-chair of the Joint Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies.

He would be the first Dominican-American in the Massachusetts State Senate, he said.

Vargas announced a slate of endorsements alongside his candidacy Tuesday, including North Andover Select Board member Janice Philips, North Andover Town Moderator Mark DiSalvo and state Reps. Christina Minicucci and Tram Nguyen.

"No matter how challenging the issue, Andy confronts it head on, bringing together stakeholders and building coalitions to move our region forward," Minicucci said. "He has been a leader on transportation, climate justice, small business and green jobs. Andy knows strong infrastructure is critical to our region, and has partnered with federal and local leaders to secure funding to improve our roads and bridges. Andy is a proven legislator, public servant, and passionate member of our community and I am confident that in the State Senate he will continue to move the Merrimack Valley forward."

"I’ve seen Andy always put our community first and that’s why I believe he’s right for this senate seat," Nguyen said. "He’s an advocate for helping small businesses thrive, and fought for unemployment insurance relief so that working families could survive challenging economic times. Andy has also been a champion for families like his and mine that came here to the Merrimack Valley from around the world for a chance at success, and I’m proud to support him in this race."

Vargas also noted that he comes into the campaign with $90,000 on hand in his campaign coffers.

Christopher Huffaker can be reached at 412-265-8353 or chris.huffaker@patch.com.