Cities Throughout the Commonwealth Have Elected

Historically Progressive & Diverse Leadership 

Boston, Everett, Lowell, and Worcester, MA — The following statement may be attributed to Roxana Rivera, Vice President of 32BJ SEIU: 

In the face of the Trump administration’s relentless attacks on working families, Massachusetts sent a clear message during last night’s elections of the values we stand for—inclusiveness, social justice, and the right to a safe and better future for all. We’re proud that Massachusetts elected so many of the men and women we endorsed; they represent the changing face of our state, and have shown their commitment to standing up for our communities.

In Boston, our members helped elect the most diverse city council of Boston’s history and the first that is majority women. Boston is a majority people-of-color city, and it’s essential that our government reflect that. We applaud our endorsed incumbent winners, including at-Large councilors Michelle Wu and Annissa Essaibi-George, along with district 7’s Kim Janey. We’re excited about newly-elected Kenzie Bok representing district 8, and Ricardo Arroyo, who will be the first person of color to represent district 5. While the final results for the remaining at-large seat are still pending, we’re proud of supporting trail-blazing candidates Julia Mejia and Alejandra St. Guillen. We know each woman will continue to be a strong champion for Boston, no matter the results.

We’re also proud of our endorsed winners in other parts of the state. Gerly Adrien is the first person of color to be elected to Everett’s city council, and in Worcester, Khrystian King will continue his great work for a second term. With his proven record in labor, we applaud John Drinkwater’s win in Lowell. Childcare provider, SEIU 509 member and community organizer Celina Reyes will continue her tireless work for Lawrence, now as a member of city council.  

The members of 32BJ SEIU—the janitors, security officers, and other property service workers who keep our state’s office buildings, public spaces, and universities clean and safe—deserve recognition for helping secure these wins. Since helping to choose our endorsed candidates, they’ve knocked on thousands of doors, encouraging Bay Staters to get out and vote. Some of them aren’t eligible to vote themselves as they only have residency rather than citizenship; yet, they understand the importance of voting in making positive change.  

Beyond the November 5 elections, union workers have played a pivotal role in our nation’s state and local elections. Just one year out from the 2020 election, 32BJ SEIU members are strengthening their political muscle in preparation for the crucial upcoming presidential election. As the Trump administration attacks unions and working families, union members are organizing and speaking out in record numbers. Tuesday’s election victory comes on the heels of high-profile labor activity right here in Massachusetts, including the recent Dedham teacher strikes and the Stop and Shop strikes of last spring. An uptick in labor strikes and political activity have demonstrated that union members are willing to take to the streets by the thousands to demand that political leaders support working people.  

But 32BJ SEIU’s agenda is not only about defending the rights of union workers. It is a proactive vision that promotes a better and fairer state and country for all.  The newly-elected candidates have vowed to join 32BJ SEIU in our fight for good union jobs for all, better schools for our children, protections for immigrants, people of color and the LGBTQ community, and affordable housing so that regular working families can afford to remain in our state.

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With over 175,000 members in 11 states, 32BJ SEIU is the largest property services union in the country.