Cambridge Day does not endorse candidates or positions. Views expressed in this column are those of the writer.
I first met Jivan Sobrinho-Wheeler in 2022. I was working to support campaigns for tenant protections and he was pointed out as someone who could offer valuable insight. Though he had just lost his second council race, he was generous with his time, sharing his knowledge and even his early sketches for a Cambridge community land trust.
As a Cambridge voter, year after year I hear every candidate say affordable housing is their top issue. But I’ve learned that’s not the same as committing to true housing justice — the work of standing with people fighting to find or keep a home, and feel welcomed and valued by their city. And I’ve seen that Sobrinho-Wheeler has a holistic vision of what Cambridge can be, encompassing issues like climate resilience, street safety and child care: a place whose strength lies in its people, not in speculative, profit-driven development. He consistently stands with residents fighting to stay in their homes.
Just as importantly, Sobrinho-Wheeler leads with integrity, humility, and a collaborative spirit. He listens to residents, works in coalition with neighborhood groups, and isn’t working to advance the interests of the moneyed power players in this deeply unequal city. Cambridge needs a councillor who will fight for working families, long-time residents, and those too often left out of the political process.
Incumbency is no guarantee of keeping his council seat. He was not reelected in 2021, but he never gave up the work he started. Cambridge can’t afford to lose his leadership now. We need his vision and dedication to continue championing initiatives like a Cambridge community land trust, and the recently passed policy order directing the City to start working toward a social housing pilot. That’s why Jivan Sobrinho-Wheeler will be #1 on my ballot.
Margaret Ann Brady, Porter Park, Cambridge
A stronger
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I also support Jivan Sobrinho-Wheeler for Cambridge City Council.
From his early efforts to advance tenant protections to his ongoing leadership on social housing and community land trusts, Jivan has shown a rare combination of integrity, vision, and persistence.
He understands that housing justice, climate resilience, and accessibility are interconnected, and he works collaboratively to make Cambridge a city where everyone can belong.
We need his principled, people-first approach on the Council again.