Steve Kerrigan, Daniel Koh Officially Enter 3rd District Race to Succeed Niki Tsongas

The race to succeed Congresswoman Niki Tsongas for the open 3rd District seat is officially on. Democrats Steve Kerrigan and Daniel Koh are two of the latest politicians to throw their hats into the ring to fill the spot left by retiring Tsongas.

Both men have roots in the local and national political communities. Lancaster’s Kerrigan has served as an aide to both Sen. Ted Kennedy and Barack Obama, while Koh recently resigned as Boston Mayor Marty Walsh’s chief of staff to make his run.

The pair join democrats Nadeem Mazen, Abhijit “Beej” Das, Juana Matias, Lori Trahan and Terence “Terry” Ryan, who previously confirmed their candidacies. Andover Sen. Barbara L’Italien told WHAV she is mulling a run, but has yet to officially enter the race. Haverhill Mayor James J. Fiorentini is widely seen as exploring a run as well.

Scott Gunderson and Rick Green are vying for a slot on the Republican ballot.

Candidate Koh, an Andover native, kicked off his campaign efforts with a scheduled visit to Haverhill’s Wicked Big Café on Essex Street Thursday.

In addition to serving the citizens of Haverhill the 3rd District also represents Andover and Methuen, among other cities and towns statewide.