JPP’s Official Endorsements 2024 Primary
Thank you to all our shiny new official JPP members who voted in our first endorsement process under our new structure! We are grateful to you for your passion and efforts. If you’d like to become an official member of JPP (with voting rights), please click here and fill out our registration form.
Stacey Borden for Governor’s Council District 4
Website and Candidate Questionnaire
The JP Progressives endorse Stacey Borden for the Massachusetts Governor’s Council District 4. The Massachusetts Governor’s Council is responsible for approving the governor’s appointments to the judiciary. That’s right, the judges. Perhaps now, more than ever, we are learning how critically important these judicial appointments are to safeguarding our individual rights and our democracy itself. But this office has gone largely unnoticed by most voters, which goes a long way to explain why the incumbent has held this seat for the past 32 years.
It’s time for change on the Council and Stacey embodies exactly the kind of change we need.
In addition to confirming judicial appointments, the Council is responsible for approving the governor’s appointments to the parole board as well as advising the governor on pardons and commutations, impacting the lives of countless individuals.
Stacey’s lifelong dedication to advocating for marginalized communities, particularly her work in criminal justice reform, demonstrates her unwavering commitment to creating a fairer and more just society. As an advocate, Stacey has fought for clemency and supported those affected by wrongful convictions and racial discrimination. She understands the urgent need for reform within our justice system and the important role that judges, parole board members, and pardons play in achieving this desired change.
Stacey’s lived experiences as a formerly incarcerated person provide her with a profound understanding of the injustices and challenges faced by those within the criminal justice system. Stacey’s master’s degree in mental health counseling and first-hand knowledge of the carceral system led her to found New Beginnings Reentry Services, a reentry residence assisting formerly incarcerated women in integrating into society.
Her leadership has not only transformed lives but also showcased her ability to implement impactful, community-focused solutions. In the role of Governor’s Councilor, Stacey’s perspective is not just valuable but essential; she will bring this lens to her assessment of candidates for these important positions.
We are particularly excited about Stacey’s commitment to build transparency and awareness about the Governor’s Council among her constituents. We need elected officials who care enough to proactively educate and engage the public in their offices rather than just collect a paycheck.
With Stacey Borden’s unique background and commitment to justice, we are confident that she will advocate for appointments and decisions with a focus on fairness, rehabilitation, and community well-being. Her commitment to transparency stands out in comparison to the other candidates in the race. For example, she was the only candidate in the race to respond to the Progressive Mass questionnaire, which can be found here.
Please join JPP in voting for Stacey Borden for the Massachusetts Governor’s Council so we can contribute to rebuilding a justice system with more justice in it.
Allison Cartwright for Clerk of the Supreme Judicial Court
Website and Candidate Questionnaire
The JP Progressives endorse Allison Cartwright for Clerk of the Supreme Judicial Court for Suffolk County. The Clerk of the Supreme Judicial Court (SJC) is another little-known but important role in our judicial system. One of the reasons most voters don’t know about this role is because it has very little turnover; the current office holder was elected in 1996.
At its core, the Clerk is an administrative role, responsible for maintaining court records, running court sessions, ensuring the smooth operation of the court’s daily activities—from handling the filing of appeals to the dissemination of court decisions—as well as overseeing lawyer discipline and bar admission. This position demands a person with exceptional organizational skills, meticulous attention to detail, a deep understanding of the legal system and legal procedures, and a commitment to upholding the principles of justice and fairness.
Allison Cartwright brings more than three decades of practicing law to the role. Perhaps more important for the position, she has a proven track record in management. She currently serves as the Managing Director of the Public Defender Division’s Central region, overseeing 75 staff members. As a progressive organization, we are particularly encouraged by the fact that the type of justice she chose to practice is in the public defender’s office. Her work as a public defender with the Committee for Public Counsel Services has equipped her with firsthand experience in addressing the systemic injustices within our legal system, which includes an understanding of how poor administrative functions can compound these injustices.
Allison’s campaign has earned the support of many progressive elected officials and organizations, including Mayor Michelle Wu, our JP State Representative Sam Montaño, the UAW representing legal aid workers, the Boston Teachers Union, and too many others to name. The full list can be found at her website.
One of the reasons there is so much interest in this race is because her opponent is current Boston City Councilor At-Large Erin Murphy, who has a history of opposing progressive policies during her time on the Boston City Council and also lacks any relevant legal or management experience necessary for this role. Allison Cartwright represents the forward-thinking and inclusive approach that our community needs. Please join JPP in voting for Allison Cartwright for Clerk of the Supreme Judicial Court.
Uncontested Races in the 2024 Primary
As an organization, JPP generally does not endorse in uncontested elections, but our guidelines allow for re-endorsements of candidates previously endorsed by JPP. Based on this criteria, we have voted to re-endorse the following candidates, who we have endorsed previously and who are running uncontested in the Democratic primary:
- Senator Elizabeth Warren
- Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (7th District)
- State Senator Liz Miranda (2nd Suffolk)
- State Representative Sam Montaño (15th Suffolk)
