There are three candidates vying for the Democratic nomination to fill the Middlesex 12th District seat, and the current occupant of that seat—retiring State Rep. Ruth Balser—is making her pick known.
Balser released a video statement on Monday morning endorsing former Newton City Councilor Greg Schwartz for the seat she’s held since the 1990s.
“After serving 13 terms in the State Legislature, I decided to retire at the end of this year. In reflecting on who would be the best person to succeed me, Greg Schwartz stood out as the ideal choice,” Balser said. “As a practicing clinician, former Newton City Councilor-at-Large, and dedicated community advocate, Greg is the experienced leader we need on Beacon Hill. I wholeheartedly endorse his campaign and hope you will join me in supporting him for State Representative.”
Schwartz served on Newton’s City Council from 2011 to 2019 and has been a physician in Massachusetts for 25 years. He also has a law degree,
“Throughout her esteemed career, Ruth has exemplified exceptional leadership and unwavering integrity,” Schwartz said. “She has been a tireless advocate for our communities, and her steadfast dedication to social justice, environmental sustainability, accessible healthcare, and more has positively impacted countless lives throughout our district and beyond. I am so grateful for her support and trust in my ability to continue the important work she has started.”
Schwartz will face current city councilors Bill Humphrey and Rick Lipof for the primary in September before the general election begins. So far, no Republicans have announced a run for the seat.
Although Charles River Chamber President Greg Reibman appears in the campaign video that accompanies the announcement, he emphasized Monday that, as Chamber president, he doesn’t endorse political candidates.