POLITICO Massachusetts Playbook: Republicans ready themselves for 2026

 

By Kelly Garrity ROAD TO REDEMPTION — Massachusetts Republicans may have just positioned themselves for their best shot at taking back the governor's office in 2026. But first they’ll have to move past internal tussling over who their nominee should be, while contending with the realities of running a GOP campaign in the blue bastion with Donald Trump in the White House — no small feat against Democrats who handily won every statewide office in 2022. Republican State Committee members reelected Amy Carnevale as their leader during a snowy Saturday morning vote. The lobbyist and longtime state committee member notched a 47-22 victory over opponent Jimmy Davidson. It’s a win for the more moderate Republican hopefuls weighing runs for statewide office in 2026, some of whom are already jockeying both privately and publicly. Mike Kennealy, who served as secretary of housing and economic development under former Gov. Charlie Baker, confirmed to Playbook at Saturday’s election that he’s “seriously considering” running for governor in 2026, while sources previously told Playbook Baker’s former MBTA administrator Brian Shortsleeve is also considering a bid. And as the Boston Herald reported Saturday, there’s an effort to get Worcester County Sheriff Lew Evangelidis into the race (though Evangelidis told the Telegram & Gazette the door for a gubernatorial campaign is, at this point, “not really” open. "I haven't made a decision yet. We'll see how the news over the next few months evolves,” he said, per the Telegram & Gazette’s Henry Schwan.) One person who’s out: attorney and former GOP Senate candidate John Deaton. "John will not be a candidate for Governor this cycle, but plans to remain active in growing and uniting the Republican Party, because he believes Massachusetts is losing under one party rule,” Jim Conroy, a spokesperson for Deaton, said in a statement. (Though asked if Deaton would rule out future campaigns in Massachusetts, Conroy said “no.”) “We have tremendous opportunities in 2026,” Carnevale said Saturday. “I feel like 2024 was really laying the groundwork for this next election cycle. However, her victory doesn’t guarantee it’ll be smooth sailing for the party over the next two years. The party still has some debt to pay down, and is trying to hammer out a deal with the Office of Campaign and Political Finance over $74,000 in allegedly illegal contributions from the 2022 cycle. And Davidson, in his pitch to state committee members, criticized Carnevale and party leadership for failing to field candidates in many of the legislative races this cycle, including ones he said would’ve been winnable for Republicans. But in a sign of shifting dynamics in a body not long ago hamstrung by infighting, Davidson put aside any ill will and pledged to work with Carnevale. “We need to get more Republican candidates, so I’m willing to work with her,” he said in his concession speech. GOOD MONDAY MORNING, MASSACHUSETTS . Trump is also likely to scramble the odds in Massachusetts, which saw a leftward leap the 2018 elections amid a wider resistance movement across the country. TODAY — Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll speaks at the Merrimack Valley Chamber of Commerce Mayors and Managers Forum at 7:45 a.m. in Andover. Boston Mayor Michelle Wu speaks at a ribbon cutting at noon in Jamaica Plain. Rep. Richard Neal announces federal transportation funding for the town of Southbridge at 10 a.m. and declares the winners of the 2024 Congressional App Challenge at noon in Agawam. DATELINE BEACON HILL SHELTER SYSTEM SHOWDOWN — As criticism of the state’s management of the emergency shelter system crescendoed in the wake of the arrest of an undocumented migrant on gun and drug charges at one of the state’s family and migrant shelters (and the revelation in the Boston Globe that officials were not performing full criminal background checks on all those in the system), Gov. Maura Healey announced Friday that she was tapping former Boston Police Commissioner Ed Davis to lead an independent review of the system’s security protocols. Healey had ordered CORI checks in the spring, she said at the Friday press conference, but they weren’t carried out across the board. And in a turn from her past position, Healey signaled she’d potentially be open to residency requirements Republicans have been pushing for months, which would require families to have lived in the state for a certain amount of time in order to be eligible for services within the shelter system. TYPICAL MASS GOP: OBSTRUCTION!  NO ANSWERS! NO FACTS! JUST HOLD UP ALL FUNDING! REPUBLICAN STUNT! SCOTUS CRIMINALIZED HOMELESSNESS! WHAT HAVE REPUBICANS DONE TO SOLVE THE ISSUE? NOTHING! The announcement came after House Minority Leader Brad Jones called for “heads to roll” over the revelation that criminal background checks weren’t performed on each of the thousands of people who moved through the shelter system, while demanding a halt in funding for the system, which houses families made up of both newly arrived and longtime residents. Also notable: L. Scott Rice, the retired U.S. Air Force lieutenant general Healey tapped to lead the shelter system, quietly retired at the end of last year, according to State House News Service.  “The last time the Healey administration used Rice's name in a press release was June 28 and his name last appeared in news reports about the same time, though state payroll records indicate that his $150,000 annual salary was paid up through Dec. 28. And [his replacement Adit] Basheer's name has not yet appeared in a press release from the governor's office,” State House News Service’s Colin Young wrote last week. STATE OF THE STATE WATCH — Gov. Maura Healey is gathering her “top supporters” for a State of the Commonwealth watch party Thursday in downtown Boston. The event, which coincides with her 6:30 p.m. speech, will be followed by a reception with refreshments, according to the invite. —— “Massachusetts gets $14.4M grant for EV chargers,” by Christian M. Wade: “Massachusetts is getting a $14.4 million federal grant to expand charging stations for electric vehicles amid uncertainty about the future of the industry and federal incentives aimed at convincing more drivers to ditch their gas-powered vehicles. The U.S. Department of Transportation grant will be used to install 472 new EV charging ports in ‘disadvantaged’ communities near multi-family housing.” excerpt: Massachusetts has set an ambitious goal of reaching "net-zero" greenhouse gas emissions compared to 1990 levels by 2050 and expanding the number of e-vehicles on the road is a key part of the plan. Tailpipe pollution accounts for about 40% of the state’s emissions, according to the state Department of Transportation. The state hopes to have 300,000 electric vehicles on the streets this year, but as of 2023, 75,000 were registered, according to data from the U.S. Department of Energy. There were an estimated 187,300 hybrid vehicles on the road as 2023, the agency said. That's compared to nearly 4.8 billion gas-powered vehicles, the data shows. HOW COME REPUBLICANS AREN'T ADDRESSING THIS? — “Local stores report a drop in those using HIP benefits since cuts took place,” by Chris Larabee, Daily Hampshire Gazette. — “Auditor looks to attorney general to break her standoff with Legislature,” by Walter Wuthmann, WBUR.  — “Advocates cheer new credit reporting rule, but want more action on medical debt,” by Marilyn Schairer, GBH News. WHAT'S ON CAMPBELL'S DOCKET — “‘We’re prepared, we’re ready’: AG Campbell staffs up office in preparation for next Trump term,” by Anjali Huynh, The Boston Globe: “In the weeks before President-elect Donald Trump takes office, Attorney General Andrea Campbell is readying her team for the expected legal fights ahead. Her office is staffing up and adding people to divisions expected to tackle issues on which Trump has pledged to pursue sweeping changes, such as immigration and LGBTQ rights; the AG also wants to step in on issues where the Trump administration may not provide as much oversight as the Biden team did.” FROM THE HUB — “Boston Mayor Wu seeking tax break for homeowners again, this time with rebates on the table,” by Joe Dwinell and Gayla Cawley, Boston Herald: “Now that tax bills have hit mailboxes, Mayor Michelle Wu is appealing to legislators again for relief for Boston homeowners — and seeking permission to offer rebates at the very least. The mayor is announcing an ‘expanded’ tax relief home-rule petition Monday that aims to help residents hit with ‘the single largest jump in the residential share of the property tax levy since 2007,’ the mayor’s office will say. And this time, she’s hedging her bets by putting rebates on the table if a compromise can’t be reached by March.” NOTICE DISCREPANCIES FROM PREVIOUS REPORT! — “City councilor calls for Boston Police, ICE hearing to answer for detainer request discrepancies,” by Grace Zokovitch, Boston Herald. THE RACE FOR CITY HALL NO-GO — Boston City Councilor Ed Flynn won’t run for mayor, the Boston Herald’s Joe Battenfeld reported Friday (h/t CommonWealth Beacon’s Gin Dumcius, who first reported the news on Twitter/X Thursday ). NEVER VOTE FOR SOMEONE WHO HAS NOT HELD AN ELECTED OFFICE! That leaves the lane wide open for New England Patriots Foundation President Josh Kraft to jump in the race against Mayor Michelle Wu, who has said she’s running though has yet to hold a formal campaign launch. MARIJUANA IN MASSACHUSETTS — “Cannabis Control Commission finds ‘continuity’ in reelecting treasurer, secretary,” by Matthew Medsger, Boston Herald: “With very little fanfare, the Cannabis Control Commission unanimously approved the reappointment of its Treasurer and Secretary, broadcasting rare signals of stability for a notoriously wobbly agency.” FROM THE 413 — “Property taxes ticking up in Easthampton next year as tax rate, values rise,” by Alexa Lewis, Daily Hampshire Gazette: “An average homeowner in the city can expect to pay about $185 more in property taxes this year. The increase reflects both a higher tax rate and higher property values this year, which city officials say was expected amid current national trends.”       THE LOCAL ANGLE — “How the Los Angeles wildfires are resonating in Mass.,” by Matt Baskin, GBH News.  — “Worcester city manager appoints city’s first female city solicitor,” by Adam Bass, MassLive. — “Methuen police making strides; old criticisms remain,” by Teddy Tauscher, The Eagle-Tribune: “Residents of the Arlington neighborhood will soon have a familiar face to report crimes or disturbances to. The local police department is aiming to have an officer dedicated solely to Arlington, a densely populated, lower-income community in the city, hitting the streets this summer. The introduction of the community officer comes at the same time as more bilingual officers are joining the ranks of Methuen Police and as the department continues to make reforms aimed at improving trust with the community following past scandals.” — “On Cape Cod, part-time residents want a voice on state seasonal communities council,” Zane Razzaq, Cape Cod Times: “Some part-time residents of Cape Cod towns want a voice on the newly created Seasonal Communities Advisory Council. On Wednesday, several Part-Time Resident Taxpayers’ groups sent a letter to Massachusetts Secretary of Housing and Livable Communities Edward Augustus, making a formal request to have representation on the panel.” HOW COME MASS GOP & THEIR ZEALOTS AREN'T WORKING WITH BROCKTON TO SOLVE THIS PROBLEM? SCOTUS CRIMINALIZED HOMELESSNESS...HOW MUCH WILL INCARCERATION COST? IS THAT A SOLUTION? BLOVIATORS DON'T OFFER SOLUTIONS! — “Possible override of Brockton mayor's veto of camping and loitering bills set for Monday,” by Chris Helms, The Brockton Enterprise: “Again this week, all eyes will be on whether Brockton's city council will override the mayor's veto of two controversial laws about homelessness. At Monday's city council meeting, the agenda includes twice-delayed debate on bills to outlaw camping and loitering on city property. City councilors passed both but Mayor Robert F. Sullivan issued a rare veto, arguing that they wrongly criminalize homelessness. He proposed several ways councilors could revise the camping bill to make it something he would sign.” HEARD ‘ROUND THE BUBBLAH HAPPY BIRTHDAY — to Ricardo Patrón, deputy chief of staff for Boston Mayor Michelle Wu; Meredith Coolidge, Gina Christo and Paul Singer. Happy belated to Paul Bologna, digital communications director for Boston Mayor Michelle Wu, who celebrated Saturday and to Barry Shrage who celebrated Friday. 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 .   Follow us on Twitter Kelly Garrity @KellyGarrity3   Subscribe to the POLITICO Playbook family Playbook  |  Playbook PM  |  California Playbook  |  Florida Playbook  |  Illinois Playbook  |  Massachusetts Playbook  |  New Jersey Playbook  |  New York Playbook  |  Ottawa Playbook  |  Brussels Playbook  |  London Playbook View all our politics and policy newsletters Follow us

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POLITICO Massachusetts Playbook: Dems reach a reckoning on migrant aid

 

BY LISA KASHINSKY AND KELLY GARRITY Presented by McDonald's ‘WE ARE ON OUR OWN’ — Reality is setting in for Massachusetts Democrats grappling with an unending influx of migrants. Help is not coming from Washington , where border policy has become political football. A deal that could have sent millions of much-needed dollars to Massachusetts and other states sheltering migrants remains dead. President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump will both be at the southern border today — but they’re more likely to turn the crisis into a campaign cudgel than spur progress in Congress. For months, top Massachusetts Democrats have held out hope that help would come from on high. Even as she filed a supplemental budget asking lawmakers to drain nearly $900 million from a transitional escrow fund to help cover emergency shelter system costs into next year, Healey’s real request was for Congress to act. Legislative leaders joined her call . That’s over now — at least in the House. “We’re not expecting any help from Washington,” House Speaker Ron Mariano declared on Wednesday. “We are on our own on this, and we realize that now.” House Speaker Ron Mariano and Ways and Means Chair Aaron Michlewitz take questions from reporters after a Democratic caucus. | Lisa Kashinsky/POLITICO House Democrats are now discussing changes to how the emergency shelter program is managed as they mull how to move forward with Healey’s funding request. Tapping the surplus account is “one option” to close what’s expected to be a $224 million deficit this fiscal year and pay nearly $1 billion in projected costs for the next one, House Ways and Means Chair Aaron Michlewitz said. But lawmakers are “also going to have to look at how this program is going to work long term,” he said. Mariano and Michlewitz said they’re not looking to change the “right-to-shelter” statute itself. A Mariano spokesperson later added that he’s uninterested in altering the law to cover only U.S. citizens. But Mariano demurred when asked by POLITICO if he were considering trying to limit how long families can stay in the shelter system, something Healey's administration has considered but hasn’t acted on. Healey spokesperson Karissa Hand said the administration is “always evaluating” the emergency program “and continuing to be in discussion with the Legislature about this situation.” Democrats’ plans still lack parameters and price tags , though Michlewitz indicated that a version of Healey’s supplemental spending bill could move before the House releases its take on the fiscal 2025 budget. And yet, the acknowledgment that immigration issues now rest squarely with states signifies a clear shift in how Bay State Democrats are approaching the migrant and shelter crisis — even if some might argue it’s far too late. Look to see how that plays out in the upcoming House budget . Healey level-funded the emergency family assistance program in her fiscal 2025 budget proposal as she pursues additional aid through smaller spending plans. And she continues to tout the state’s fiscal strength even as revenues fall short of projections month after month. Mariano struck a far different tone on Wednesday . “We’re looking at a billion-dollar bill next year in the midst of declining revenues. Do you realize what that will do to us?” he told reporters at the State House. “So we have to take a look at how we administer this program.” GOOD THURSDAY MORNING, MASSACHUSETTS. It’s a leap day! And a special happy birthday to the city of Worcester, a leap day baby . TODAY — Healey , Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll and administration officials will outline climate-tech and life-sciences initiatives in her upcoming economic development bond bill at 9 a.m. at Form Energy HQ in Somerville. Driscoll and A&F Secretary Matt Gorzkowicz testify on the Municipal Empowerment Act at 1 p.m. at the State House. Rep. Ayanna Pressley hosts a Capitol Hill press conference in Washington on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza at 10 a.m. House Democratic Whip Katherine Clark and Rep. Lori Trahan join a Capitol Hill press conference pushing legislation to protect access to IVF at 1:30 p.m. Tips? Scoops? Email us: lkashinsky@politico.com and kgarrity@politico.com .   A message from McDonald's: From 2021 to 2022, the McDonald’s System contributed over $700 million to Massachusetts’ economy, supporting over 14,350 jobs statewide. McDonald’s presence in local communities throughout Massachusetts generated nearly $125 million in federal, state and local tax revenue, providing funding for public schools, infrastructure, parks and more. Learn more about McDonald’s impact on local communities in Massachusetts and nationally by visiting https://www.mcdeconomicimpact.com/state-impacts/ma .   DATELINE BEACON HILL JOINING THE BENCH — The Governor’s Council voted 6-1 on Wednesday to confirm Gabrielle Wolohojian — a longtime Appeals Court judge and Gov. Maura Healey ’s former romantic partner — to the Supreme Judicial Court, advancing Healey’s second nominee to the state’s top bench. Despite a lingering lack of clarity over how Wolohojian will approach cases involving Healey and the executive branch, only Councilor Tara Jacobs voiced reservations about — and ultimately voted against — Wolohojian’s nomination. Jacobs said the process, particularly Healey’s reliance on a “small and insular like-minded group” of vetters in selecting Wolohojian, caused concern. “You couldn’t have a more insider nominee,” she said before announcing her decision to vote “no.” The MassGOP was quick to criticize the Governor’s Council for acting as a “rubber stamp” rather than conducting “a serious examination of important ethical considerations.” But they’ll now have to fight that battle at the ballot box in November. More from GBH’s Katie Lannan . BLINK AND YOU MISSED HER — Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer dropped in on House Democrats’ caucus on Wednesday while visiting the Bay State on a personal trip with family. Whitmer, who was a law school classmate of state Rep. James Murphy , received a round of applause after addressing lawmakers in the closed-door conference. Whitmer also connected with Healey , spokesperson Karissa Hand confirmed, though she declined to provide details of their interaction. The Michigan Democrat, who's widely viewed as a future presidential contender, is a national co-chair of President Joe Biden ’s reelection campaign, for which Healey is a surrogate. The two are also, as Healey spilled in a recent CNN interview, on a text chain with other female Democratic governors. IN THE NAME OF COMPETITIVENESS — The House unanimously passed a bill that would let the state leverage interest from its so-called rainy day fund to compete for more federal dollars. The legislation is slightly different from what Healey proposed and what the Senate passed last month.   SUBSCRIBE TO GLOBAL PLAYBOOK: Don’t miss out on POLITICO’s Global Playbook, the newsletter taking you inside pivotal discussions at the most influential gatherings in the world, including WEF in Davos, Milken Global in Beverly Hills, to UNGA in NYC and many more. Suzanne Lynch delivers the world's elite and influential moments directly to you. Stay in the global loop. SUBSCRIBE NOW .     MIGRANTS IN MASSACHUSETTS — “Fort Point neighbors blast governor, nonprofit for icing them out of migrant shelter plans,” by Gayla Cawley, Boston Herald: “A day after Gov. Maura Healey confirmed that the United Way of Massachusetts Bay had chosen a private Fort Point office building as an overnight safety-net site, [EA Director L. Scott Rice] told neighbors at a heavily attended community meeting that the plan was moving forward, regardless of whether they were on board." YAHD SIGNS AND BUMPAH STICKAHS FIRST IN PLAYBOOK — State Auditor Diana DiZoglio is backing attorney Mara Dolan for Governor's Council. It’s the first statewide endorsement for Dolan, who is challenging incumbent District 3 Councilor Marilyn Petitto Devaney . SCOOPLET — When the MassGOP moves out of its Woburn office and back to Boston on Friday, John Deaton ’s campaign is moving in, consultant Jim Conroy confirmed to Playbook. Deaton, one of the Republicans challenging Sen. Elizabeth Warren , plans to sublease the space from the state GOP — so add that as a source of income for the financially struggling party. FROM THE HUB — “Free museum push for all Boston kids blocked by city councilor,” Gayla Cawley, Boston Herald: “Councilors Ed Flynn and Erin Murphy … introduced a resolution Wednesday that sought to expand the initiative to all students living in Boston. … The request prompted an immediate objection by Councilor Sharon Durkan, a former campaign aide to Mayor Michelle Wu … [who said] ‘this merits more of a conversation.’” — “Boston votes to install 250 curbside EV-chargers on city streets,” by David Bienick, WCVB. — “City moves ahead with center-running bus lane plan for Blue Hill Avenue,” by Seth Daniel, Dorchester Reporter.   A message from McDonald's:   WARREN REPORT NOTED — Warren is slamming fast-food chain Wendy’s after the company announced a new “dynamic pricing” plan. The senator dubbed it “price gouging plain and simple” in a post on X . But Wendy’s later clarified that the price changes would only include discounts or deals during slower-than-normal hours. Warren’s post left some of her supporters scratching their heads . “I am surprised to see her come out against the concepts of Early Birds Specials at diners and Matinee Pricing at movie theaters,” Chris Dempsey , a former Democratic candidate for auditor, posted on X . Dempsey didn’t return a call. IRL, Warren on Wednesday also bashed Senate Republicans for blocking a bill that would protect access to IVF in a floor speech. DATELINE D.C. REAL-LIFE SUCCESSION — Longtime Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell won’t seek another term as conference leader , setting off a leadership shuffle within the GOP that will have ripple effects for Democrats. It’s also costing Ukraine its most prominent Republican backer in Congress at a critical moment when GOP support for continued security assistance for the war-torn country is slipping. With that in mind, Warren told HuffPost that while she’s “no fan of McConnell’s, we could do a lot worse on the Republican side.” MEANWHILE — “Top lawmakers strike funding deal, potentially averting weekend shutdown,” by Caitlin Emma, Jennifer Scholtes and Olivia Beavers, POLITICO. FIT FOR DUTY — Good news for the 81-year-old Joe Biden : The president’s physician declared him to be “healthy, active, robust." ON THE DOCKET — “ Supreme Court stalls Trump’s federal election trial while weighing his immunity bid,” by Josh Gerstein and Kyle Cheney, POLITICO.   On the ground in Albany. Get critical policy news and analysis inside New York State. Track how power brokers are driving change across legislation and budget and impacting lobbying efforts. Learn more .     FROM THE 413 — “Where in the world is Wilmer Puello-Mota? Rhode Island prosecutors want to know,” by Jim Kinney, Springfield Republican: “Days before the scheduled start of his trial in Rhode Island, prosecutors say former Holyoke City Councilor Wilmer Puello-Mota boarded an international flight bound for Turkey and fled the country.” — “Northampton first in WMass to back call for Gaza cease-fire,” by Alexander MacDougall, Daily Hampshire Gazette. THE LOCAL ANGLE — “Wrentham says it’s not fighting the MBTA Communities Act, but requests state support,” by Bob Seay, GBH News: “‘We’re not going to fight. We’re going to collaborate with the state.’ That’s how Wrentham’s select board Chair Joe Botaish opened the meeting Tuesday night that was convened to discuss the town’s response to the MBTA Communities Act — a controversial new state law that requires zoning for multi-family housing." — “'Bring him back': At explosive Brockton school board meeting, superintendent tears into mayor,” by Christopher Butler, The Enterprise: “In a dramatic and fiery confrontation, Brockton Superintendent of Schools Mike Thomas tore into Mayor Robert Sullivan at Tuesday night's school Committee meeting — accusing the mayor of betraying him and declaring to loud applause from a packed room that if he were still on the job the turmoil at Brockton High School would not be happening. It was Thomas's first public appearance before the school committee in six months, since he left on medical leave in August after the bombshell revelation that the school district had run a large deficit in the previous school year.” — “A new commercial for Amazon pitches life and jobs in Fall River — and birdwatching?” by Dan Medeiros, The Herald News: “[The ad] pitches Fall River as the home of ‘historic charm, great birdwatching, and an Amazon warehouse.’ … The ad's apparent goal is to encourage people to come to Fall River and work for the Amazon fulfillment center straddling the Fall River-Freetown border.” — “Steward Health Care pays $100k owed for food voucher program after GBH investigation,” by Jeremy Siegel, GBH News.   A message from McDonald's: McDonald’s is an economic engine for the state of Massachusetts, contributing over $700 million to our state’s economy, directly employing nearly 11,600 Massachusettsans and supporting an additional 2,750 jobs statewide. It’s also an engine of opportunity: 1 in 4 independent McDonald’s operators in Massachusetts began their careers as restaurant crew members, generating wealth for their families and local communities. We are proud to support Massachusetts through public schools, parks and more from the nearly $125 million in federal, state and local tax revenue generated by the McDonald’s System’s activities. And thanks to the generosity of McDonald’s customers and owner/operators, the $700,000 raised through Ronald McDonald House Charities in 2022 provided over 7,000 overnight stays for families with children receiving medical care in Massachusetts. Learn more about McDonald’s impact on local communities in Massachusetts and nationally by visiting https://www.mcdeconomicimpact.com/state-impacts/ma .   HEARD ‘ROUND THE BUBBLAH TRANSITIONS — United Way of Massachusetts Bay President and CEO Bob Giannino plans to step down, according to the organization that is partnering with the Healey administration on temporary overflow shelters for migrant and homeless families. Daphne Principe-Griffin , who is currently serving as chief of staff, will take over as interim president and CEO on April 1. — Adam Bass will join MassLive as a reporter covering Worcester and the Greater Worcester area. He currently works at the North Star Reporter. HAPPY BIRTHDAY — to former state Rep. Stephen J. Karol . NEW HORSE RACE ALERT: THE TROLLEY PROBLEM — The Boston Globe's Tiana Woodard discusses what reparations could look like in Boston. Host Jennifer Smith unpacks Milton's MBTA Communities Law mess with host Steve Koczela . Host Lisa Kashinsky spills the tea on Sen. Elizabeth Warren 's new challenger, John Deaton . Subscribe and listen on iTunes and Sound Cloud . 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 .   Follow us on Twitter Lisa Kashinsky @lisakashinsky Kelly Garrity @KellyGarrity3   Subscribe to the POLITICO Playbook family Playbook  |  Playbook PM  |  California Playbook  |  Florida Playbook  |  Illinois Playbook  |  Massachusetts Playbook  |  New Jersey Playbook  |  New York Playbook  |  Ottawa Playbook  |  Brussels Playbook  |  London Playbook View all our politics and policy newsletters FOLLOW US

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