From Democratic state committeewoman Linda Sophia Pinti, Democratic state committeewoman and Ward 6 chairwoman Lesley Rebecca Phillips, former assistant attorney general Donna Palermino, former Democratic City Committee chairman John Pitkin, former city councillor Minka vanBeuzekom and fellow residents of Cambridge wards 1, 2, 3 and 6, Phyllis Bretholtz, Paula Gutlove, Mark Jaquith, Judy Johnson, David Mattei and Terry Nichols, Aug. 28, 2016: With all the attention on our wild ride of a presidential race this summer, many of us may not be closely following down-ballot races. A critically important contest is the Democratic primary for state representative in the 26th Middlesex District, and we wish to tell you about a terrific candidate who will bring bold, progressive leadership to this position: Mike Connolly.

At 6 feet 8 inches, “Big Mike” always stands out in a crowd, but his towering stature doesn’t prevent him from caring deeply for the smallest and least among us.

Growing up in public housing, Mike won an athletic scholarship to Duke University and worked his way through law school at Boston College – his intense work ethic is well known. As an attorney and tireless community organizer, Mike sees the position of state representative as a full-time job and will bring dedication and professionalism to this role in the Legislature. While he greatly values the importance of being a good listener and a team player, Mike is results-oriented and follows through to get things done.

A thorough researcher and articulate speaker, Mike is committed to fighting every day to find solutions for the issues we care about: homelessness and the need for affordable housing, early childhood education for all children, health care as a human right, equal pay for women, environmental justice and the curbing of climate change, extending the green line, criminal justice reform and a $15 minimum wage indexed to inflation, to name a few.

A leader with imagination and vision, Mike will bring much-needed youthful energy, passion and spirit to our sluggish legislature.

Mike has been endorsed by Mass Alliance, the state’s largest coalition of progressive organizations; Mass-Care, the campaign for single-payer health care; Naral Pro-Choice Massachusetts; the Massachusetts chapter of the National Organization for Women; Progressive Massachusetts; Progressive Democrats of Massachusetts; The Sierra Club; Massachusetts Peace Action; and more. These groups are supporting Mike because they understand we need, new progressive voices on Beacon Hill.

We enthusiastically endorse Mike Connolly and ask you to join us in giving him your vote for state representative Sept. 8.