WORCESTER, MA — A local congressman has announced he is running for reelection, framing his campaign around economic fairness, access to basic needs, and what he described as a fight to “build a better America.”
U.S. Rep. Jim McGovern (D-MA) shared the announcement in a campaign video released on Thursday. If reelected, he would serve a 16th term in Congress, where he was elected in 1997. He currently represents the Second Congressional District.
McGovern was born and raised in the Burncoat neighborhood of Worcester, according to his biography. His parents, Walter and Mindy, own a small package store in Worcester, and his sisters are both public school teachers.
“We live in the richest country in history. Hunger is a political choice," McGovern says in the video. "Housing insecurity is a political choice. Unaffordable health care is a political choice.”
In the video, McGovern also discusses policy differences with Republicans in Congress and references debates over federal spending and social programs.
“Instead of fixing our rigged system, Republicans in Congress are ripping away folks’ healthcare and nutrition assistance just so they can give their billionaire donors massive tax breaks,” he said.
The longtime congressman contrasts those concerns with his vision for the country. “The America I know is compassionate and caring," McGovern says. "It provides opportunity and the chance to get ahead.”
McGovern first took office in 1997 and currently serves as the top Democrat on the House Rules Committee. He has also been a leading voice on hunger policy, co-chairing the House Hunger Caucus and advocating for expanded nutrition assistance programs, according to his House biography.
In his reelection bid, McGovern outlined several priorities, including making housing more affordable, ensuring access to health care and reducing the influence of money in politics.
“I’m running for reelection to fight for that better America, an America where everyone can afford a home, where health care is a right, not a privilege … and where no one has to worry about putting food on the table,” McGovern said.
McGovern’s district includes Worcester and several surrounding Central Massachusetts communities. It encompasses much of Franklin, Hampshire and Worcester counties, along with small portions of Middlesex and Norfolk County.
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