Congressional hopeful Dan Koh receives an endorsement from Methuen Mayor James Jajuga on May 9 in Methuen. (Courtesy photograph)
Methuen Mayor James Jajuga Wednesday officially endorsed Dan Koh in his congressional bid to represent the 3rd Essex District.
Koh, who opened his River Street campaign office Saturday in Haverhill, won over Jajuga for his commitment to public safety and public health, the mayor said.
Koh’s background as the former chief of staff to Boston Mayor Marty Walsh also gives him an edge, Jajuga said.
“He did it with a chief of staff who understands the public works and public health needs of a city,” the first-term mayor said.” “That’s the kind of person that I want to represent myself and the city of Methuen in Washington and be the next congressman from the 3rd Essex District.”
Meeting with supporters Wednesday in Methuen, Koh–an Andover native of Korean-Lebanese descent—pledged to support working class citizens chasing the American dream.
In a campaign speech, Koh said he’s also making healthcare a priority.
“Today people are looking around, wondering ‘If I get sick, am I going to have to go bankrupt and close the businesses I run? Am I going to be able to feed my kids?’ In a country as prosperous as ours, that is wrong and we shouldn’t stand for it,” he said.
Koh, who managed 18,000 employees and a $3 billion budget during his four years in Boston, is running to succeed retiring Congresswoman Niki Tsongas. Democratic challengers include Alexandra Chandler, Sen. Barbara L’Italien, Beej Das, Rufus Gifford, Patrick Littlefield, Bopha T. Malone, Rep. Juana Matias, Keith St. John, Lori Trahan, Leonard Golder and Jeff Ballinger.
Merrimack Valley cities served by the 3rd District include Haverhill, Andover, Methuen, Lawrence and Lowell.