Doug Thompson: State Representative Candidate Profile

MARBLEHEAD, MA — Doug Thompson is one of six candidates on the ballot looking to fill the open seat as the state representative for the 8th Essex District encompassing part of Lynn, Marblehead and Swampscott.

The 55-year-old husband and father of one graduated from the Harvard University Kennedy School with a Master's Degree in Public Policy and has spent 25 years working as a health care leader.

He told Patch he is seeking to serve in the state to expand the affordability of health care and housing and work on the climate crisis, transportation and education.

Campaign website

doug4rep.com

Why are you seeking elective office?

To deliver real progress on the big issues that matter to this district — affordability of health care and housing, the climate crisis, transportation, education and getting lobbyist money out of campaigns.

The single most pressing issue facing our District is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

There are several pressing issues. Climate crisis getting worse by the minute, affordability of healthcare and housing crushing people's budgets, a transportation system that is falling apart, educational funding challenges, reproductive health freedom under attack, etc. I have presented more detailed plans to address many of these issues than any candidate in this race at www.doug4rep.com. Please take a quick or detailed look and compare to other candidate websites. Very few detailed plans are presented on other candidate websites.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

I have the deepest experience delivering large-scale progress — 25 years as a leader in health care helping to improve care for 1.5 million people statewide and saving hundreds of millions of dollars for taxpayers.

I am not accepting any lobbyist contributions like others in the race. I have been a leader in this race calling for getting lobbyist money out of this campaign and for major campaign finance reform.

I will provide exceptional constituent service — monthly meetings rotating through each community and a promise to reply to inquiries within 24 hours.

I will represent the entire district — I have connections to all parts of the district and am not partial to one town or another like the other candidates.

Working class, union background — helped my family out by working since I was 12, and put myself through college and graduate school where I earned a Master in Public Policy from Harvard Kennedy School.

This background led to my Democratic values and you will never have to question where I stand.

I have come to the doors of over 8,000 people in this district to hear your concerns — and I will keep listening as your next state representative.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

Please see my website at doug4rep.com for my many positions and plans.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

Please see my website at doug4rep.com for a full description of my accomplishments.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

Stay true to who you are.