Submitted by the Mike Kelley Campaign

Senators Linda Dorcena-Forry and Joseph Boncore joined District 2 colleagues, Representatives Aaron Michlewitz and Byron Rushing, on Monday to announce their endorsement of Mike Kelley, joining his growing and passionate team of local elected endorsers. Last week the Ward 5 and Ward 3 Democrats voted to endorse Kelley, making him the first candidate in the race to receive an endorsement from a Democratic Ward Committee.
The list of enthusiastic Kelley campaign endorsers also includes: Representativess. Liz Malia, Jeffrey Sánchez and Michael Moran, as well as City Councilor Josh Zakim.

Candidate Kelley announced in late March that he was seeking the City Council seat being vacated by Councilor William Linehan. The preliminary election is September 26.

Since his announcement at Villa Victoria, Kelley has been meeting with residents and building broad-based support across the diverse neighborhoods of South Boston, South End, Chinatown, Downtown, and Bay Village, which comprise District 2.

"My candidacy for District 2 City Council is inspired by a belief that my parents instilled in me from a very young age: Putting People First. It is why I am so honored to have the endorsement of these elected officials who practice this belief every day in their work, advocacy and leadership."

Sen. Dorcena-Forry, whose 1st Suffolk District includes South Boston, Fort Point and the Waterfront, said: "I am supporting Mike Kelley because he's my friend and he understands the housing needs of every Bostonian. Growing up, Mike learned firsthand living in public housing how meaningful and transformative these programs are to families and children. I saw his passion, commitment, and dedication to service as the Director of Boston's Rental Housing Center, where Mike worked hand-in-hand with tenants and homeowners in Boston to make sure their needs were met."

Sen. Boncore's 1st Suffolk & Middlesex District also includes a large portion of District 2. He added, "Mike understands the need for more rapid and reliable transportation. The neighborhoods of District 2 are some of the fastest growing residential and commercial areas in the entire city. We need to be doing all we can to make sure people can efficiently and quickly get around our city. I know Mike will advocate for this in the council and will work the with the state authorities to get it done."

Rep. Rushing, whose 9th Suffolk District covers much of the South End in District 2, had this to say: "Mike has been a champion for this community since he was first its Community Liaison back in the mid-to-late 90s'. He has been an unrelenting advocate for this neighborhood, and has worked tirelessly to make sure all residents felt welcome and safe here. Given our national political climate, it is more important than ever that we elect individuals who are focused on bringing us together and not tearing us apart. Mike Kelley is absolutely one of those individuals, and that is why I am supporting him."

Rep. Michlewitz, whose 3rd Suffolk District includes Downtown, Chinatown, Bay Village, and the South End in District 2, said, "I need a partner to work side-by-side with in District 2. One who has shown throughout his years in public service that he prioritizes constituent services, and bringing individuals and groups together to solve problems. I can think of no better partner than Mike Kelley, which is why I am endorsing his candidacy."