Former Obama Official Kicks Off Lt Gov Campaign In Cambridge

CAMBRIDGE, MA – A former White House official under President Barack Obama and longtime Democratic activist kicked off his campaign for lieutenant governor in Cambridge Saturday. Weston resident Quentin Palfrey announced his candidacy in September and topped the Democratic field of lieutenant governor candidates in fundraising in 2017, according to a press release.

Speaking to a crowd of 75 Cambridge residents, Palfrey said, "I have spent my life fighting for good jobs and fair pay and working to reduce inequality and poverty. As Lieutenant Governor, I will be a strong advocate for our working families and seniors to preserve and strengthen what makes this Commonwealth great."

Palfrey worked as senior advisor for jobs and competitiveness in the Office of Science and Technology Policy and deputy general counsel for strategic initiatives at the US Department of Commerce from 2009-2013. Prior to working in the Obama administration, Palfrey served as chief of the healthcare division in the Massachusetts Attorney General's office, where he was instrumental in implementing Massachusetts' health reform law and oversaw litigation and investigations against insurance, pharmaceutical and healthcare companies.

"We need to make sure Massachusetts is working for all of its residents," Palfrey said. "By collaborating with local leaders in our cities and towns, we can focus on the issues that impact residents every day – investing in our schools and transportation infrastructure, combating the opioid epidemic, and creating jobs."

Most recently, Palfrey served as Executive Director of J-PAL North America, an MIT lab that uses research to fight poverty and inequality in North America.

Palfrey grew up in Southborough and now lives in Weston with his wife Anna and their three children.

Photo submitted