Mermell Endorsed by MA Nurses, National Women's Political Caucus

Jesse Mermell continued to distinguish herself as the strongest progressive candidate in the race for Massachusetts’ Fourth Congressional District by securing the endorsements of the Massachusetts Nurses Association and National Women’s Political Caucus this week.

The Massachusetts Nurses Association is a 23,000-member union of nurses and healthcare professionals. They chose Mermell out of the crowded field because of her commitment to championing labor rights, fighting for an affordable and accessible healthcare system, and leading an equitable recovery to COVID-19 that centers the voices of healthcare workers.

“The nurses and healthcare professionals of the Massachusetts Nurses Association stand proudly behind Jesse Mermell because we know she will stand behind us in Congress,” said MNA President and RN Donna Kelly-Williams. “Jesse’s experience and vision for this district have demonstrated to us that she has what it takes to stand up for what is morally right and make sure that nurses on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic have the protection and support they deserve.”

“With the federal government failing to protect nurses and healthcare professionals on the front lines of COVID-19, it is crucial we have a powerful advocate like Jesse Mermell in Congress standing by our side,” said Karen Coughlin RN, member of the MNA Board of Directors and former longtime Department of Mental Health RN, and resident of Mansfield, MA. “Jesse knows and will fight for what caregivers need to provide safe patient care, protect our communities and keep our families healthy.”

Mermell is a Democrat from Brookline who has been leading on the progressive issues that matter most to Massachusetts families for 20 years. She fought for contraceptive coverage in the Affordable Care Act at Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts, spearheaded local climate change initiatives on the Brookline Select Board, led Governor Deval Patrick’s Strong Women Strong Families Initiative, and helped negotiate Massachusetts’ Paid Family and Medical Leave law as President of the Alliance for Business Leadership.

“Donald Trump has abandoned our nurses while they fight COVID-19 on the frontlines,” said Mermell. “With the Massachusetts Nurses Association as my partner in Congress, I’ll take on Trump and fight for the protective equipment, paid leave and hazard pay that nurses deserve and make sure they have a seat at the decision-making table. Nurses have had our backs during this crisis, and I will be proud to have theirs. I’m grateful for their support and look forward to working together to create a better future for everyone in the Fourth Congressional District.”

The MNA is the largest union and professional association of registered nurses and health professionals in the state, and the third largest in the nation, representing more than 23,000 members working in 85 health care facilities, including 51 acute care hospitals, as well as a growing number of nurses and health professionals working in schools, visiting nurse associations, public health departments and state agencies.

Mermell also picked up the support of the National Women's Political Caucus, which has helped elect prominent Massachusetts leaders including Senator Elizabeth Warren and Representatives Katherine Clark, Ayanna Pressley and Lori Trahan. The organization singled Mermell out as the best candidate to represent their pro-choice, progressive values in Congress and use her platform to lift up other women.

“I was 24 years old when I led the Massachusetts Women’s Political Caucus, working to elect progressive, pro-choice women up and down the ballot,” said Mermell. “To now have the National Women’s Political Caucus’s endorsement in my campaign to be the first Congresswoman from Massachusetts’ Fourth District means the world. As COVID-19 has disproportionately impacted people who menstruate and reopenings have largely failed to account for pressing childcare needs – the burdens of which still primarily fall on women – it’s critical that we have more women’s voices at decision making tables to deliver the bold, progressive solutions that families need. I look forward to partnering with NWPC to not only win my election, but also to help make strides towards equal representation.”

The National Women’s Political Caucus recruits, trains and elects progressive, pro-choice women to elected and appointed office across the country. From 2004-2008, Mermell was the Executive Director of their local division, the Massachusetts Women’s Political Caucus.

Mermell has dominated the crowded field with broad support from top progressive leaders and organizations including Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley, former First Lady Diane Patrick, the SEIU State Council, the Massachusetts Teachers Association, IBEW Local 103, the Machinists and many more. A full list of endorsements can be found here.