Braintree Democratic Caucus Canceled

BRAINTREE, MA — The Braintree Democratic Party's caucus was scheduled this weekend, but has been canceled by party officials after Gov. Baker declared a state of emergency over the spread of the new coronavirus. Baker declared the state of emergency Tuesday after the number of new coronavirus cases in Massachusetts more than doubled to 92.

The caucus was supposed to be an important step toward the state Democratic Party's endorsement in the upcoming U.S. Senate race between U.S. Rep. Joe Kennedy III and Sen. Ed Markey.

"In light of guidance provided by state officials at this afternoon's press conference, MDP is temporarily suspending all caucuses scheduled to take place," Democratic Chair Gus Bickford said.

Markey won his senate seat in a special election after John Kerry became Secretary of State in 2013. He won a full term in an election in 2014. But Markey is facing a strong challenge from Kennedy, who was elected in 2013 to represent the 4th Congressional District, which includes portions of Bristol, Norfolk, Middlesex, Worcester and Plymouth counties.

The winner of the Sept. 1 Democratic primary will go on to the general election in November. With no strong Republican challenger in the race, the primary will likely decide who becomes the state's next senator.