ICAN Massachusetts Election Bulletin
Updated: August 26, 2024
Updated: August 31, 2024

This bulletin provides essential information for Massachusetts voters in the upcoming 2024 elections. It includes key dates, voter registration details, and a list of candidates running for office at the federal, state, and local levels.

This bulletin will be updated regularly as new information becomes available.

1. Key Election Dates

State Primary Election Date: September 3, 2024
Voter Registration Deadline: August 24, 2024
Vote by Mail Application Deadline: August 26, 2024
Polling Hours: 7 a.m. – 8 p.m.

State General Election Date: November 5, 2024
Voter Registration Deadline: October 26, 2024
Vote by Mail Application Deadline: October 29, 2024
Polling Hours: 7 a.m. – 8 p.m.

2. Voter Registration Information

Massachusetts residents can register to vote online, by mail, or in person. To register online, visit the Massachusetts Online Voter Registration portal at: https://www.sec.state.ma.us/OVR/.

If you prefer to register by mail, you can download the registration form from the same website and send it to your local election office. In-person registration can be done at your local city or town clerk’s office.

Here is a summary of the voter registration breakdown in Massachusetts:

• Total Registered Voters: 4,957,403
• Democrat: 1,336,825 (26.97%)
• Republican: 415,438 (8.38%)
• Libertarian: 16,307 (0.33%)
• Unenrolled (Independent): 3,153,445 (63.61%)
• Other Political Designations: 35,388 (0.71%)

3. Key Races

ICAN urges voters in Massachusetts to prioritize state and local races, as these elections have a significant impact on community safety, education, and the overall well-being of the Israeli-American community. While federal elections often draw the most attention, state and local officials play critical roles in shaping policies that directly affect our daily lives. Voting in these races is essential for ensuring that our values are represented at every level of government.

State House Race: 12th Middlesex District
Candidate: Rick Lipof (ICAN Endorsed)

• Position: Candidate for State Representative, 12th Middlesex District
• Background: Long-serving Alderman and City Councilor in Newton, with 22 years of public service, including roles as Vice President of the Council.
• Education: Bachelor’s degree.
• Professional Background: Experienced in public safety, land use, and environmental action.

Race Overview: Rick Lipof is running in the Democratic primary for the Massachusetts House of Representatives in the 12th Middlesex District on September 3, 2024. He is competing against Bill Humphrey and Greg Schwartz. Following the primary, the general election will occur on November 5, 2024.

ICAN endorses Rick Lipof due to his strong commitment to combating antisemitism, enhancing Holocaust education, and supporting the U.S.-Israel alliance. His extensive public service and leadership experience make him the ideal candidate for the district.

Important Voting Information for 12th Middlesex District: In the Massachusetts primary election, voters who are registered as independents (also known as “unenrolled”) can choose which party’s primary they want to participate in when they arrive at the polling station. This means that as an independent voter, you could choose to vote in the Democratic primary to support Rick Lipof in the 12th Middlesex District, where his strong pro-Israel stance is critical in a tight race against a primary candidate who is anti-Israel.

However, it’s important to note that if you choose to vote in the Democratic primary, you cannot also vote in the Republican primary for other races. You must select one party’s primary in which to cast your vote. This is a key consideration for those who may want to support candidates in both the Democratic and Republican primaries​ (TPR: The Public’s Radio)​ (Mass.gov).

Therefore, ICAN encourages voters in the 12th Middlesex District who are concerned about supporting pro-Israel candidates to register as independents or Democrats to ensure they can vote for Rick Lipof in the upcoming primary.

State House Race: 4th Bristol District
Candidate: Steven Howitt (ICAN Endorsed)

• Position: Incumbent State Representative for the 4th Bristol District
• Years in Office: 13 years (since 2011)
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Boston University School of Management
• Professional Background: Owner of an excavation contracting business

Race Overview: Steven Howitt, a Republican, has been serving as the representative for the 4th Bristol District since 2011. He is running for re-election in 2024. Howitt has demonstrated a consistent commitment to his constituents through his work on key legislative committees, including the House Ethics Committee and the Transportation Joint Committee.
ICAN endorses Howitt for his strong support of policies that align with our priorities, including combating antisemitism and strengthening the U.S.-Israel relationship.

Massachusetts State Legislature Background:
The Massachusetts state legislature, officially known as the “General Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts,” is the state’s bicameral legislature. It consists of the Massachusetts State Senate with 40 members and the Massachusetts House of Representatives with 160 members. Established in 1630, it is one of the oldest legislative bodies in the United States.

• Senate Composition (as of August 2024): 36 Democrats, 4 Republicans.
• House Composition (as of August 2024): 133 Democrats, 25 Republicans, 1 Independent, and 1 vacancy.

Massachusetts operates under a Democratic trifecta, with the Democratic Party controlling the governor’s office and both legislative chambers. The General Court meets in the Massachusetts State House in Boston, and members of both chambers serve two-year terms. The Democratic Party has held control of the State Senate since 1958 and the House of Representatives since 1954.

##Updated Aug. 26.
Governor’s Council Race: 2nd District
Candidate: Dave Reservitz (ICAN Endorsed)

• Position: Candidate for Governor’s Councilor
• District: 2nd District
• Education: Juris Doctor from Suffolk University Law School
• Professional Background: Practicing attorney with extensive legal experience

Race Overview: Dave Reservitz is running for Governor’s Councilor in Massachusetts’ 2nd District. With a strong legal background, Reservitz is focused on ensuring fair judicial nominations and combating antisemitism. ICAN endorses Reservitz for his dedication to these critical issues and urges voters to support him in the upcoming elections.

Massachusetts Governor’s Council Background:

The Massachusetts Governor’s Council, also known as the Executive Council, is an eight-member body that advises the governor on judicial appointments, pardons, and commutations. Members are elected from eight districts across the state. The Council’s role is crucial in the confirmation of judges, requiring a majority vote for approval. The Council meets weekly to review and vote on appointments, ensuring that nominees reflect the values and standards of Massachusetts residents. Members serve two-year terms, coinciding with state legislative elections.

 

U.S. Congressional Delegation Partisan Breakdown:

• Democratic: 2 U.S. Senators, 9 U.S. House Representatives
• Republican: 0 U.S. Senators, 0 U.S. House Representatives

U.S. Senate
Incumbent: Senator Elizabeth Warren (D), first elected in 2012, is running for her third term. Warren remains a prominent figure with substantial support, having raised over $18 million for her campaign.

##Updated Aug. 31.
Write-In Campaign for the Democratic Primary: Massachusetts
Candidate: Hersh Goldberg-Polin (Symbolic Write-In)

Position: Write-In Candidate for U.S. Senate (Democratic Primary)
Primary: Democratic Primary
Cause: Symbolic campaign to bring attention to Hersh Goldberg-Polin, an American hostage in Gaza

Campaign Overview:
ICAN is highlighting a symbolic write-in campaign for the upcoming Democratic primary on September 3, led by valued community leaders Evelyn Stein and Mauricio Karchme. Massachusetts voters who are registered Democrats or independents are encouraged to write in the name of Hersh Goldberg-Polin, an American hostage currently held captive in Gaza, as a protest vote against Senator Elizabeth Warren.

Republican Candidates:

• Robert Antonellis: A nutrition software company owner.
• Ian Cain: President of the Quincy City Council.
• John Deaton: An attorney.

This race is crucial as it will contribute to the partisan balance in the U.S. Senate in 2025, with 34 Senate seats up for election, including one special election. Currently, Democrats hold a majority of the seats up for re-election, making this a significant race for maintaining their Senate majority​.

The Massachusetts Senate race is generally considered safe for Democrats, with Warren enjoying strong incumbency and financial backing​.

As of June 30, 2024, Senator Elizabeth Warren, running for re-election under the Democratic Party, has reported significant campaign finances. She has raised $18,486,081 and spent $24,658,143, leaving her with $4,920,625 in cash on hand. This financial data reflects Warren’s strong fundraising abilities and her substantial expenditures as she seeks a third term in the U.S. Senate. The figures are sourced from the Federal Election Commission’s campaign finance data for the 2024 election cycle.

# #Updated Aug. 31.
U.S. Senate Race: Massachusetts Republican Primary
Candidate: Robert Antonellis (ICAN Endorsed)

Position: Candidate for U.S. Senate
Primary: Republican Primary
Professional Background: Software engineer

Race Overview: Robert Antonellis is running in the Massachusetts Republican primary for the U.S. Senate. ICAN endorses Antonellis due to his unwavering support for Israel, commitment to combating antisemitism, and dedication to the U.S.-Israel alliance. Antonellis has made clear that his priority is to fight for America’s interests while ensuring that key allies, particularly Israel, receive steadfast support.

U.S. House

The U.S. House of Representatives elections in Massachusetts are set for November 5, 2024. Voters will elect nine representatives, one from each of the state’s nine districts. The primary is scheduled for September 3, 2024, with the filing deadline having passed on June 4, 2024.

Key Districts:

• District 1: Incumbent Richard Neal (D) is running against unenrolled candidate Nadia Milleron and no Republican challenger.
• District 2: Incumbent Jim McGovern (D) is running unopposed by any Republican candidates.
• District 3: Incumbent Lori Trahan (D) is running with no Republican challengers.
• District 4: Incumbent Jake Auchincloss (D) faces no Republican opposition.
• District 5: Incumbent Katherine Clark (D) is uncontested by Republicans.
• District 6: Incumbent Seth Moulton (D) is running without a Republican challenger.
• District 7: Incumbent Ayanna Pressley (D) also faces no Republican opposition.
• District 8: Incumbent Stephen Lynch (D) is running against Republicans Robert Burke, James Govatsos, and Daniel Kelly.
• District 9: Incumbent Bill Keating (D) faces Republican Dan Sullivan.

This race will maintain the strong Democratic hold on Massachusetts’s Congressional delegation, with many incumbents running unopposed or without significant Republican opposition.