POLITICO Massachusetts Playbook: Markey's early union boost

 

Markey's early union boost

By KELLY GARRITY 

 

06/26/2025 07:24 AM EDT

UNION APPROVED — A labor union that threw its support behind a younger challenger in the bruising 2020 Senate primary is coming out early for Sen. Ed Markey this time around.

IBEW Local 103 is endorsing Markey for reelection more than a year before voters can head to the polls, in the latest warning shot to would-be challengers from Markey’s campaign.

“Ed Markey always stands with the members of the IBEW, especially when it comes to good jobs with good wages and good benefits,” Lou Antonellis, IBEW 103’s business manager, says in a video shared by Markey’s campaign. “Certainly, his fight in Washington, D.C., for clean energy jobs like solar, like offshore wind, like the expansion of EV charging stations for electric vehicles. Ed always stands with the IBEW, and we’re proud to stand with him.”

Four years ago, Boston’s electricians and technicians union endorsed then-Rep. Joe Kennedy a few weeks after he made his campaign official. Antonellis promised to “fight like hell” to help Kennedy defeat Markey.

In an op-ed in CommonWealth Beacon at the time, Antonellis cited “the need for newer, fresh voices in the U.S. Senate” as part of the reason the union was backing the younger challenger. IBEW workers “deserve the opportunity to elect political leadership from among their own generation to fix what Congress has broken,” Antonellis wrote in 2019.

In the ensuing years, angst over the age of many lawmakers — particularly on the Democratic side of the aisle — has grown, but the 78-year-old Markey has so far largely avoided serious challenges.

The union endorsement shows that even some who supported Kennedy’s calls for new, younger leadership in the 2020 primary aren’t looking to do the same this cycle. And it’s the latest indication that Markey’s campaign is starting to ramp up.

Sen. Elizabeth Warren endorsed her Democratic Senate colleague Wednesday, the Boston Globe first reported, calling him a “progressive champion” and the person with the “fight, the experience, and the vision to meet the moment we are in.”

The early endorsements are a sign that Markey doesn’t intend to take his reelection bid lightly. He has one Democratic challenger, first-time candidate Alex Ricklen, but so far high-profile Democrats like Reps. Jake Auchincloss and Ayanna Pressley haven’t made moves to take the plunge that Kennedy did when he announced his campaign in 2019.

GOOD THURSDAY MORNING, MASSACHUSETTS. Tips, scoops, endorsements? Hit me up: kgarrity@politico.com. 

TODAY — Gov. Maura Healey has no public events. Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll chairs a STEM Advisory Council Meeting at 12:30 p.m. in Avon, speaks at a retirement party for Neeham Town Manager Kate Fitzpatrick at 4:30 p.m. in Needham and delivers remarks at a Cummings Foundation event at 6 p.m. Sen. Ed Markey holds a virtual press conference on a new survey from the Small Business for America's Future that shows small business owners oppose health care cuts that congressional Republicans are advancing in the reconciliation bill at 11:40 a.m. Rep. Ayanna Pressley hosts a hearing on the impacts of abortion bans following the Dobbs decision at 9 a.m. in D.C. Boston Mayor Michelle Wu participates in a fireside chat with AIM President and CEO Brooke Thomson at 10 a.m., speaks at the Somali flag raising ceremony at 12:30 p.m. and delivers remarks at the street sign dedication for Pastor Pearline James at 2:30 p.m. in Mattapan.

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DATELINE BEACON HILL

— Healey pauses some HomeBase rental assistance after massive spike in demand by Chris Van Buskirk, Boston Herald: “Gov. Maura Healey’s administration plans to pause some rental assistance to families receiving benefits through the HomeBase program after total caseloads increased by more than fivefold between 2023 and 2025, according to state officials and data released to the Herald. The spike in demand for HomeBase — a program that provides eligible families in the state-run shelter system with $30,000 over two years, with the possibility of a third year of help — lines up with a surge of families entering emergency shelters over the past two and a half years.”

BOSTON HERALD PROPAGANDA RAG PAY WALL 

— Pappas Hospital staff say the state has ignored patients’ needs by Magdiela Matta, GBH News: “Employees at the Pappas Rehabilitation Hospital for Children say there’s been an uptick in discharges but no new admissions in the months since Gov. Maura Healey announced a pause in the proposed closure of the facility. The 160-acre live-in facility provides medical, rehabilitative, educational and recreational services to children and young adults with multiple disabilities. More than a dozen nurses, patients and teachers gathered in Canton on Wednesday to protest the limited use of the facility and urge for its continued operation.”

— Town leaders for Massachusetts state Rep. Chris Flanagan's entire district now demand his resignation by Denise Coffey, Cape Cod Times: “The Yarmouth Select Board voted unanimously on June 24 to send a letter to state Rep. Christopher Flanagan demanding his resignation. Yarmouth joins Dennis and Brewster — the three towns in Flanagan's district — in asking their state representative to step down. Town Administrator Robert Whritenour Jr. will draft the letter immediately for the board to sign. Flanagan was arrested on April 11 for wire fraud and falsification of records. He represents the 1st Barnstable District, which includes the towns of Brewster, Dennis and Precincts 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, and 8 in Yarmouth.”

****MAGA GOP TAX CUTS FOR WEALTHY, ENDLESS DEFICITS AT THE EXPENSE OF THE POOR! *****

— ‘People are going to end up dying’: Healey warns as Republicans race to pass ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ by John L. Micek, MassLive. 
excerpts: 

As it’s currently written, the “Big Beautiful Bill” slashes social programs, including Medicaid and food assistance, to pay for trillions of dollars in tax cuts that Democrats say will primarily benefit the richest Americans, even as it explodes the nation’s debt.

Leaders on Beacon Hill have been warning for months that, even with $8 billion in reserves, the state already doesn’t have the cash to make up for any of the federal funding it stands to lose from Washington.

That problem would become exponentially worse under the GOP-authored budget bill now on Capitol Hill, Democratic legislative leaders have warned.

All told, the Republican mega-bill would reduce federal Medicaid spending by $793 billion over 10 years.

Roughly 4.8 million people would be uninsured nationwide by 2034 based on work requirements in a version of the bill approved by U.S. House Republicans, CNBC reported, citing data by the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office.

In Massachusetts, the bill would cost the state’s health care system $1.75 billion and strip coverage for about 250,000 people, according to Healey’s office.

Healey scoffed at those work requirements on Wednesday.

“These so-called ‘work requirements?’ — what people need to know, the people in Massachusetts who are on MassHealth? ... Many of them are actually working. They’re the working poor, you know? They’re just trying to make a living."

Healey delivered her warning in a back-to-back appearances on Wednesday.

Speaking to business and community leaders at a New England Council breakfast at the Omni Parker House on Beacon Hill earlier in the day, Healey cast the debate over Medicaid reductions as an economic issue.

“It’s a huge hit. And anybody who thinks they’re immune to a Medicaid cut, no,” she said. “People will still get sick. They will still go to hospitals. They will still need care. And we’re all gonna pay for it without the benefit of Medicaid.”

An hour later, during her appearance on GBH, Healey called on voters to pressure their elected leaders on Capitol Hill.

" This is why people need to this week, do everything they can in lobbying ... Republicans in Congress not to let this happen. Because no state can pick up the tab on the lost funding for healthcare, or for food support, or a whole bunch of things," she said.

— Critics of Healey’s energy bill line up, as governor sells $10 billion savings by Matthew Medsgar, Boston Herald.

BOSTON HERALD PROPAGANDA RAG PAY WALL 

WHAT THE AI COMPANIES WANT TO HEAR — Healey isn’t sweating a provision in the sweeping congressional budget bill that would prohibit states from regulating artificial intelligence for 10 years.

The governor told reporters Wednesday she hasn’t “focused too much” on the provision, per State House News Service. “What I'm focused on is leaning into the investments that we're making here on AI. I've said that I want Massachusetts to be a global hub for applied AI, using AI to help us more quickly solve problems, whether it's curing diseases and developing treatments, or figuring out the energy strategy and how to build greater resilience. I've also used AI in government. We're going to continue to do just that."

It’s a take that puts Healey opposite Markey, one of the members leading the charge in the Senate to block the ban. And it’s in contrast with several Democratic state lawmakers on the Committee on Advanced Information Technology, the Internet and Cybersecurity, who urged the Massachusetts congressional delegation to oppose the measure, according GBH News.

The Race for City Hall

IN THE ZO-NE — Massachusetts progressives celebrated Zohran Mamdani’s apparent victory in the Democratic primary for New York City mayor Wednesday, after the 33-year-old democratic socialist upset former Gov. Andrew Cuomo in Tuesday’s election.

Warren said she “strongly” supports the city’s presumptive Democratic nominee. “Zohran's inspiring campaign showed what grassroots movements can achieve when we fight for bold policies,” the senator wrote on X, and Markey and Pressley both offered their congratulations.

But even among Massachusetts pols, Mamdani’s nomination is drawing a dividing line between centrists and progressives.

Healey, typically willing to opine on the future of her party, didn’t have much to say about what Mamdani’s apparent victory means for Democrats. “It's a decision New Yorkers made,” she said, when asked during an interview on GBH’s “Boston Public Radio” on Wednesday.

RELATED — Mamdani Won Big. 8 Insiders Lay Out What That Means for the Democratic Party via POLITICO Magazine. 

EYES ON 2026

*****TRUMPER MIKE KENNEALY!***

NOTICE THAT SCRIPTED INFORMATION WAS PROVIDED IN KENNEALY'S POLL - 
Robichaud also said Kennealy does not need a poll to “know that Republican voters will never nominate the cheerleader in chief for the MBTA Communities Act,” a controversial transist-oriented zoning law Kennealy helped implement.

POLITICO: There’s also the Trump factor: The president has dominated plenty of news cycles here since he swept back into office in January. He’s still pretty unpopular in bluest of blue Massachusetts, per the Healey poll: 61 percent of voters view him unfavorably, and 63 percent believe his policies are hurting the state’s economy, according to the memo. Healey’s been capitalizing on that sentiment, reprising a role from her days in the AG’s office as one of the president’s loudest critics.

***HOW INTERESTING THAT BLOVIATOR LOGAN TRUPIANO IS IN CHARGE OF THIS LOSER'S CAMPAIGN!*** 

Federal campaign finance records show Kennealy has donated tens of thousands since at least 2012 to the National Republican Senatorial Committee, which works to elect Republicans to the U.S. Senate and is currently chaired by Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina.

In an email to supporters Monday, the Massachusetts Democratic Party also took a shot at Kennealy’s eight years working in former Gov. Charlie Baker’s administration as an assistant secretary and then housing and economic development secretary.

“He failed to prevent skyrocketing housing costs and failed to cut taxes for hardworking Bay Staters — while Gov. Healey passed tax cuts in her first year in office,” the email said, referring to a package of tax cuts that were first drafted by the Baker administration. “Mike Kennealy is unqualified to address the biggest issues facing Massachusetts. In fact, when he announced his candidacy, he never mentioned the single greatest threat to our state — Donald Trump.”

— GOP’s Mike Kennealy received a string of donations above legal limit in April, data shows 

BOSTON HERALD PROPAGANDA RAG
NOW PAYWALL!

NOTE TO MAGA CANDIDATES: YOU WERE IN OFFICE WHEN THE WHITE TOOTHED GOVERNER CREATED THE DISASTERS ON THE MBTA...WHERE WERE YOU? 

CHARLIE BAKER HIRED OVER PAID OUT-OF-STATE HACKS WHO NEVER TRAVELED TO THE COMMONWEALTH TO OVERSEE CONSTRUCTION & MUCH ELSE! 

CHARLIE BAKER WAS FULLY AWARE THAT NEWLY INSTALLED RAILS WERE DEFECTIVE YET NEVER ADDRESSED IT LEAVING IT TO NEWLY ELECTED GOV. HEALEY...

AND THEN THERE'S THE MISSPENT BILLIONS CHARLIE BAKER LEFT THAT WILL BE PAID BACK....WHERE WERE THESE WEALTHY MAGA CANDIDATES WHO WERE IN OFFICE WHEN THIS HAPPENED? 

Massachusetts owes the federal government $2.1 billion. Here's why.

BOSTON - Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey announced Monday that the state has agreed to repay the federal government $2.1 billion because of a mistake made years ago with pandemic-era unemployment benefits. 

An audit revealed "an improper overdraw of federal pandemic unemployment benefits," a statement from the governor's office said. Healey said that former Gov. Charlie Baker's administration "misspent billions of dollars in federal relief funds" on unemployment payouts that were supposed to be covered by the state.

***MBTA COMMUNITIES ACT passed under GOV. CHARLIE BAKER, promoted by MIKE KENNEALY!***

***TRUMPER MIKE KENNEALY IS BRAIN DEAD TO NOT RECOGNIZE THE MANDATES OF THE MBTA COMMUNITIES ACT! THIS IS THE CLOWN WHO WANTS TO HOLD OFFICE? 

NOTICE HOW THESE CLOWNS FLOCK TO THE BOSTON HERALD PROPAGANDA RAG!

MUST READ! 

GUESS MIKE KINNEALY MISSED THE MASSIVE ANTI-TRUMP PROTESTS!

IF YOU WANT TO ELECT TRUMP THE ECONOMIC DESTRUCTIONIST, SUPPORT MIKE KENNEALY!****

— GOP’s Mike Kennealy ‘never’ thought MBTA Communities Act would lead to lawsuits

— GOP’s Mike Kennealy has loaned his campaign double the amount allowed under state law by Chris Van Buskirk, Boston Herald: “Mike Kennealy, a Republican running for governor, has loaned his campaign double the amount allowed under state law since launching his bid in April, a move that could set up future legal action if he or his family ever decides to recoup the cash he has loaned his bid for elected office. Kennealy’s decision to loan his campaign $400,000 and plan to loan another $1.6 million ahead of the 2026 election comes after state campaign finance regulators in April dismissed his request to reconsider the limit on the amount candidates can loan themselves each election cycle.”

BOSTON HERALD PROPAGANDA RAG PAY WALL 

FROM THE HUB

— The political odd couple whose partnership could reshape Boston politics by Emma Platoff, The Boston Globe.

— BPS closes its last middle school, following national trend of consolidating campuses by Christopher Huffaker, The Boston Globe. 

— Awaiting sentencing in corruption case, Fernandes Anderson says goodbye at final Boston City Council meeting by Eve Zuckoff, WBUR: “Embattled Boston City Councilor Tania Fernandes Anderson attended her last City Council meeting Wednesday, a week before she resigns and a month before she's sentenced in a federal corruption case that has derailed a once-bright political career. The District 7 councilor joked with colleagues, posed for photos, introduced a bevy of resolutions and delivered a goodbye speech during the session, saying afterward it was important to celebrate the work of her team and constituents, and address them directly. Fernandes Anderson, who took office in 2022, pleaded guilty in May to federal corruption charges for orchestrating a kickback scheme.”

Policy moves fast—stay ahead with POLITICO’s Policy Intelligence Assistant. Effortlessly search POLITICO's archive of 1M+ news articles, analysis documents, and legislative text. Track legislation, showcase your impact, and generate custom reports in seconds. Designed for POLITICO Pro subscribers, this tool helps you make faster, smarter decisions. Start exploring now.

FROM THE 413

— Chicopee Councilor Tim Wagner resigns, moving to Boston area by Namu Sampath, The Springfield Republican: “Tim Wagner, the Chicopee at-large city councilor who previously said he would not seek reelection, announced he would leave before the end of his term. Wagner, who sat on the Chicopee City Council since January 2024, told The Republican Wednesday he’s moving to the greater Boston area for a new job opportunity and ‘to be closer to the people I care about.’” 

— Northampton school superintendent expects to depart after upcoming school year by Alexander MacDougall, Daily Hampshire Gazette.

THE LOCAL ANGLE

— Worcester councilors evaluate City Manager Batista as tensions across city remain high by Sam Turken, GBH News: “Worcester City Council on Tuesday held its annual evaluation of City Manager Eric Batista, praising his overall leadership, but also noting several challenges New England’s second largest city faces. Batista oversees all municipal operations, including the police department. The council’s assessment of his work throughout the past year came as tensions across the community remain high over the city’s response to a federal immigration operation last month that turned chaotic. Many residents have called on Batista to increase police accountability and be more responsive to their concerns.”

****GREAT DETAIL OF CITY COUNCILORS' ACTIONS!****

— Long, hot ‘cut night’ reduces city budget by $10 million by Colin Hogan, The New Bedford Light: “After nearly seven hours and about 450 roll-call votes on more than 1,300 proposed cuts, city councilors finalized the budget this week for the upcoming fiscal year by removing $10.2 million — or about 2% — from Mayor Jon Mitchell’s proposal. Councilors adjourned at 1:45 a.m. on Tuesday morning, long after the sun had set on the hottest day of the year so far — and only a few hours before it would rise on the next one.”

— Mayors join forces to fight predatory electric suppliers by Jonah Frangiosa, The Eagle-Tribune.

PAY WALL

— North Attleboro school board wants more education money from town by Stephen Peterson, The Sun Chronicle. 

HEARD ‘ROUND THE BUBBLAH

TRANSITIONS — John Herman will be the new president of Tufts Medical Center in Boston.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY — to former Lynn state Rep. Robert Fennell, state Rep. Nick Boldyga, Gloucester state Rep. Ann-Margaret Ferrante, former state Rep. Bill Straus, Kait Castillo, former MassGOP spokesperson Emmalee Kalmbach, NAIOP’s Tamara Small Democratic strategist Adam Webster and Adam Zieminski. Happy belated to Erik Lin-Greenberg, who celebrated Tuesday.

Want to make an impact? POLITICO Massachusetts has a variety of solutions available for partners looking to reach and activate the most influential people in the Bay State. Have a petition you want signed? A cause you’re promoting? Seeking to increase brand awareness among this key audience? Share your message with our influential readers to foster engagement and drive action. Contact Jesse Shapiro to find out how: jshapiro@politico.com.

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