Salem Mayor Kim Driscoll announces run for lieutenant governor
Driscoll has served as Salem's mayor for five terms.
LT. Governor's race:
Salem Mayor Kim Driscoll has announced her candidacy for lieutenant governor.
Driscoll, 55, who has served as mayor of the witch city for five terms, launched her campaign Tuesday, according to a press release. So far, she is the only mayor to announce candidacy for the post.
“Mayors like me have been on the frontlines of our most urgent fights — from COVID-19 response and recovery to racial equality, the climate crisis, strengthening our public schools and making housing more affordable,” Driscoll said in a video announcing her candidacy. “At this moment of change, so much is at stake. We need leaders who understand and can empower communities. Our cities and towns need a new voice on Beacon Hill.”
Driscoll was elected mayor of Salem in 2005. Prior to that, she served as deputy city manager and legal counsel in Chelsea. In 2003, she was three years into a term on Salem City Council and decided to launch her campaign for mayor, winning over two other candidates, the release said.
During her time as mayor, Driscoll has focused on small business growth, racial equity and inclusion, COVID-19 response, improvement of Salem’s schools as chair of the city’s school committee, and climate change, according to the release.
Driscoll joins an already crowded race. Democratic primary candidates include state Sen. Adam Hinds, state Rep. Tami Gouveia, state Sen. Eric Lesser, and Bret Bero, a businessman. Former interim Lawrence mayor Kendrys Vasquez and Dan Koh, U.S. Labor Secretary Marty Walsh’s chief of staff, are also said to be considering tossing their hats into the ring.