Former Haverhill Mayor Rurak Endorses Matias for Congress: ‘A True Public Servant’

Former state Rep. Juana Matias spoke at a Haverhill Democratic City Committee candidate dinner in 2018. (Jay Saulnier photograph for WHAV News.)

Rep. Juana Matias speaks at a Haverhill Democratic City Committee candidate dinner on May 7, 2018. (Jay Saulnier photograph for WHAV News.)

Haverhill native Juana Matias has the support of former city Mayor James Rurak in her bid for a 3rd Essex District congressional seat.

Rurak, who served the city from 1994-2002, is especially impressed by current state Rep. Matias’ commitment to education, economic development and healthcare.

Rurak appears on WHAV’s Open Mike Show.

“Juana is the Haverhill candidate in this race. She grew up here and she will be the champion Haverhill needs in Congress,” Rurak enthused in his endorsement. “She is a true public servant and will put the needs of Haverhill and this district first. She’s for better education, jobs, and healthcare for all of us, especially seniors, veterans and middle class families who usually get forgotten in Washington.”

Democrat Matias, who attended Haverhill Public Schools and furthered her education at UMass and Suffolk Law School, is proud to have Rurak’s support.

“This campaign is about ensuring working families have access to the American Dream. Haverhill is the city that made my American Dream possible,” first-term Rep. Matias said. “Growing up in Haverhill, I remember seeing Mayor Rurak in our schools and around the community, and his passion for serving the people is something I have always respected and tried to emulate. I am so honored to have his endorsement.”

Currently serving residents of the 16th Essex District on Beacon Hill, Matias is vying to succeed retiring Congresswoman Niki Tsongas. If elected, Matias would be New England’s first Latina member of Congress, serving cities including Haverhill, Andover, Methuen, Lawrence and Lowell.