Dedham Democrats Break Bread with Neighbors and Candidates

Last Monday night, as Dedham experienced its first significant rainfall in weeks, local Democrats gathered in a Greenlodge home to connect with each other and candidates in the September 6th primary election. “We should plan barbeques more often, since we managed to deliver the rain we’ve all been eager to see!” State Representative Paul McMurty told a room of about 40 Dedham residents. Dedham Democratic Town Committee Chair Mark Reilly welcomed the audience and gave a preview of organizing efforts this fall to support Democratic candidates in Massachusetts and in key races to hold majorities in the US House and Senate.

While the rain pushed the event indoors, spirits were high as people shared food from two Dedham restaurants - Kouzina Estiatorio and Salem Food Market - as well as potluck dishes and popcorn from the Dedham Community Theatre.

The local Democrats also heard from several candidates vying for wins in the September 6th Democratic primary in order to appear on the general election ballot in November. Paul Yorkis was there to make his case for Norfolk County Commissioner. All the statewide candidates were invited to the event and Dedham was honored to have three of them attend, especially so close to the primary election when candidates are being invited to events around the entire state. Quentin Palfrey, a candidate for Attorney General until ending his race earlier this week, spoke about his early childhood living in Dedham and his vision for the office. Palfrey has since endorsed candidate Andrea Campbell, who is still in the AG race along with Shannon Liss-Riordan. State Senator Diana DiZoglio, who is running for State Auditor, mingled with the audience before sharing her goals for the position. DiZoglio is running against Chris Dempsey, who asked local leader Jessica Porter to speak on his behalf at the event.

Tanisha Sullivan, a candidate for Secretary of State trying to unseat incumbent Bill Galvin, shared her vision for the office and stayed into the evening to talk to attendees one on one. A reporter from the Boston Globe was present, covering Sullivan’s campaign, and the Dedham event was featured prominently in a Globe article last week. While candidates for the Lieutenant Governor race were unable to attend in person, Representative McMurtry spoke on behalf of Salem Mayor Kim Driscoll and encouraged attendees to support her. Driscoll is running against State Senator Eric Lesser and State Representative Tami Gouveia to join the Democratic ticket with gubernatorial candidate Maura Healey. Healey’s original opponent, Sonia Chang-Diaz, dropped out of the race after Healey handily won the party’s endorsement at the state Democratic convention in early June.

The primary election is a crucial opportunity to select the party’s top candidate for each of the statewide leaders who make decisions impacting all of us. We hope to see a strong turnout to build momentum for the general election. The 2022 primary election is Tuesday, September 6, and polls will be open from 7am to 8pm. Early voting began on Saturday, August 27th and continues until 1pm on Friday, September 2. To find your polling place you can visit the Town Clerk’s page on the Town of Dedham website, or call the Clerk’s office at 781-751-9200.

If you are interested to learn more or connect with other neighbors working to elect Democratic candidates up and down the ballot and even out-of-state, please contact us at [email protected].