SALEM, MA — A rare open seat to represent Massachusetts on Capitol Hill drew a packed and very diverse crowd of Democratic candidates to succeed Seth Moulton after his ultimately unsuccessful bid to unseat Ed Markey in the U.S. Senate.
With Andover Democrat Dan Koh clearing the six-candidate field with 41 percent of the vote on Tuesday night, the race shifts to November where the former Biden Administration official and Andover Select Board member will face Essex Republican businessman and U.S. Army veteran Micah Q. Jones.
The two main party candidates are scheduled to face off in a Sept. 17 forum at Endicott College in Beverly — with Jones quick to call for additional candidate forums in the coming weeks.
"With the primary behind us and voters turning their attention to the November Election, candidates have an obligation to clearly articulate their positive vision for the future of the North Shore and Merrimack Valley – including demonstrating to voters through head-to-head debates why they are deserving of their votes," said Jones in a statement on Wednesday. "Confidence in the institution of Congress is at an all-time low, and that is a troubling reality for our country.
"Our neighbors deserve the ability to make an informed decision, which is why I am asking Dan Koh to join me for a minimum of three debates."
Koh chose to keep the focus on President Donald Trump in his acceptance speech on Tuesday night. He touted his work with the previous administration throughout the primary — proudly publicizing the endorsements from the Washington Democrat establishment in former President Joe Biden, former Vice President Kamala Harris, former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and former Boston Mayor and Biden Cabinet member Marty Walsh.
"Every day, this is a president who tramples on our constitution and tries to dismantle our democracy," Koh said. "Who invents new tariffs that drive up prices — all while calling affordability a 'hoax'. ... Who sends armed men into our communities to terrorize immigrants. ... Who exploits our government to enrich himself and his allies. ... And who rips away health care from millions of Americans just to give tax breaks to billionaires and big corporations.
"Donald Trump wants us to accept a vision for America where the wealthy thrive, but working families struggle. Where neighbors attack neighbors. Where democracy's divisive. Where dissent is costly. Where corruption is rampant. He wants us divided — because chaos makes it easier to push his agenda."
Jones is a political newcomer who has made the themes of "accountability, security and opportunity" the core of his campaign.
A self-proclaimed "former JFK Democrat," his campaign website makes no prominent mention of President Trump or support for his specific policies — though he does advocate for increased border security and increased cooperation between the state and federal government on immigration cases.
His website touts the endorsement of former Gov. Charlie Baker — who sharply clashed with President Trump during the COVID-19 health crisis up until Baker's decision not to run for re-election in 2022.
The general election is on Nov. 3.
More on Patch:
Sign up for free local newsletters and alerts for the
Salem Patch
Patch.com is the nationwide leader in hyperlocal news.
Visit Patch.com to find your town today.