Progressive Leaders Support Rep. Christine Barber in Senate campaign 

Somerville, Medford, Cambridge, and Winchester deserve a leader who can turn values into action

SOMERVILLE, MA — Today, local and state progressive leaders joined Representative Christine Barber’s campaign for State Senate in support of her ability to turn values into results needed now. 

Barber, who currently represents Medford and Somerville in the legislature, recently announced her candidacy for State Senate in the Second Middlesex District. She has pledged to build on the historic legacy of Senator Pat Jehlen by delivering progressive results for working families across Somerville, Medford, Cambridge, and Winchester.

“As lead sponsor of the driver's license bill, Rep. Barber brought the voices of immigrants and people too often ignored directly into the State House,” said Dálida Rocha, former Co-Chair of the Driving Families Forward Coalition. “That work was not easy and it wasn't politically safe. We need leaders who will do more than just talk about change – we need leaders who know how to write it into law. That's exactly what Christine Barber has done and will continue to do when she joins the Senate.”

“Rep. Barber has always been a champion for our communities and especially for immigrants. After passing the Work and Family Mobility Act, she went back to her community and asked, what do we do next?,” said Laura Rotolo, civil rights advocate and immigration expert, Medford resident. “She was the first to champion the Dignity not Deportations bill to ensure that our local and state police are not collaborating with ICE. This issue is now gaining traction, but Rep. Barber has always listened to the community and taken action. I will be so proud to call her my Senator.”

“As any parent of a child with disabilities knows, it can be very challenging and isolating, and you need to find champions who are willing to listen and act,” said Angela Ortiz, longtime advocate for people with disabilities. “Rep Barber has done that from day one. I have worked with her on many issues, including allowing people with disabilities to stay on their parents’ health plan over the age of 26 and funding services for children with autism and disabilities. You need a champion like Rep. Barber to prioritize your issue and get it across the finish line.” 

“I work on improving health care affordability, and many patients we work with suffer from chronic diseases, which disproportionately impact Black and Latino communities,” said Aaron Homan, health care leader, Somerville resident. “I worked with Rep. Barber to help pass her bill that eliminated copays for chronic conditions like asthma and diabetes so people can afford the care they need. She moved this practical solution through the legislature and focused on solving an issue that is driving some of the largest health disparities.”

“Clarendon Hill residents needed investment in our housing. We dealt with mold and terrible living conditions,” said Maggie Joseph, organizer, Clarendon Hill Housing, Somerville resident. “Christine listened to the residents and made us feel like she heard our voices. Then she got to work, and we were able to secure the funding needed. When the project is done, we will have completely rebuilt our housing for existing residents at affordable rents and also made room for new families. This is the real leadership that our community needs.”

“What sets Christine apart is that she's a progressive who knows how to get things done,” said Representative Jack Lewis, Co-Chair, House Progressive Caucus. “She has been instrumental in helping us move legislation from the Caucus to the floor of the House on issues from making housing affordable to trans rights to criminal justice reform to reproductive equity.”

“Let me be clear that without Christine's thoughtful, strategic, bold leadership, the Work and Family Mobility Act would not be a reality,” said Representative Tricia Farley-Bouvier, Co-Chair, House Progressive Caucus. “I wholeheartedly endorse her for the State Senate.”

“I have worked with Rep. Barber for many years as a climate advocate for Mothers Out Front and have witnessed firsthand her support for climate issues.” said Emily Hardt, Somerville Ward 7 City Councilor. “I am excited for her to continue her work in the Senate.”

“From Medford to Winchester to Cambridge and Somerville, residents are experiencing skyrocketing costs of living and are being pushed out of their homes. Families are fearful of ICE in our neighborhoods, and our rights are under attack,” said Rep. Christine Barber. “Right now, saying you are progressive is not enough. We need bold leadership that delivers real results for our communities. I’ve proven that I can do that, and as Senator I will keep fighting to turn our progressive values into action and bring lasting change for our communities.”

Rep. Barber is a progressive leader and longtime advocate for housing affordability, health care access, and women's rights, and enters the Senate race with a proven record of passing major legislation and securing millions of dollars in local investments. Rep. Barber was the lead sponsor on the landmark Work and Family Mobility Act and is currently the lead sponsor on the Dignity Not Deportations legislation. Rep. Barber has written and passed laws advancing pay equity and reproductive rights, and led on housing, enabling Accessory Dwelling Units. She has secured millions of dollars for local projects, including the Green Line Extension.