NORTHBOROUGH, Mass. - An endorsement from Senator Ed Markey is a big check mark on state Senate candidate Joe Petty’s to-do list.

“We developed a relationship even stronger over COVID,” said Petty. “When I asked him for favors, he came through for the city of Worcester. He’s also committed to Worcester."

Petty and his supporters gathered in Northborough, and the six-term Worcester mayor says there’s still a lot of work to do. 

What You Need To Know

  • Democrats Joe Petty and Robyn Kennedy are vying to fill the seat left void by Sen. Harriette Chandler, after she announced her retirement earlier this year
  • Both are seeking their first term as a state Senator, but Kennedy is seeking her first chance at serving in public office
  • Petty received an endorsement from Sen. Ed Markey on Wednesday
  • Kennedy has been endorsed by former Gov. Deval Patrick and former Lt. Gov. Tim Murray.

 

Having knocked on thousands of doors, Petty points to stability in government, affordable housing, and mental health as the common issues voters are bringing up.

“Mental health is a big issue,” Petty said. “Everywhere I go, they talk about mental health. Infrastructure, we talk about the schools, building authority, and how we’ve put more money there.”

Petty isn’t the only one getting endorsements from big name democrats. His primary opponent, Robyn Kennedy, has the backing of several prominent figures, including former Gov. Deval Patrick and former Lt. Gov. Tim Murray.

Kennedy said she’s focusing on improving the lives of working families.

“A lack of availability of affordable, accessible early education and care programs,” said Kennedy. “We know that there’s a lack of not only affordable housing, but workforce housing, home ownership opportunities.”

While Petty is a veteran of public office, Kennedy is running in her first election.

The two candidates are vying for the state Senate seat representing residents in Worcester and towns to the north and east.

“It’s really great because there’s a lot of really great opportunities and unique identities in each of those communities,” Kennedy said. “For the city to be successful, we rely on the communities that are connected to us.”

“Worcester can sometimes suck the air out of the room, right? So it’s nice to get out into the towns,” Petty said. “It’s a little bit different because you have to start from scratch. We’ve been working hard out here in Northborough, but also in the towns. We’re not taking anything for granted.”