SAUGUS — State Rep. Donald Wong (R-Saugus) and challenger Matthew Crescenzo have each secured major endorsements in their run for the 9th Essex District.
Crescenzo has been endorsed by American Federation of Teachers Massachusetts and Service Employees International Union 509. Wong has been endorsed by Professional Firefighters of Massachusetts.
The Professional Firefighters of Massachusetts represents more than 12,000 firefighters.
Rich McKinnon Jr., president of the organization, said the group is proud to endorse Wong for re-election because of his past support.
“You not only support our legislation, but you truly understand our issues,” said McKinnon. “We appreciate the work you have done on our behalf for occupational cancer coverage and we look forward to continuing to work with you on Beacon Hill to ensure working families have a voice. The Professional Fire Fighters of Massachusetts are proud to support those who support us.”
Wong said he was grateful for the endorsement and the support from people who work so hard in the community.
“I am honored to be endorsed by Professional Fire Fighters of Massachusetts whose members work so hard for the people of Massachusetts and the District,” he said in a statement. “I have dedicated my service as a state representative to helping the people of the 9th Essex District and the Commonwealth. I am grateful for this organization in recognizing this commitment.”
Similarly, Crescenzo said he was proud to be endorsed by organizations that represent “so many hard working individuals and families who have dedicated their lives to serving the public.
“Our educators, healthcare workers, and public employees deserve a strong voice so that they can more effectively serve the community, something that will benefit all the residents of the 9th Essex District and the state of Massachusetts,” he said.
The American Federation of Teachers Massachusetts represents more than 25,000 public school employees, higher education faculty and staff, and public librarians. SEIU is the nation’s largest health care union, the largest property services union, and the second-largest public employee union.
“Matt has all the qualities of being a really hands-on state representative, he cares about public education as a product of it,” said Beth Kontos, president of the American Federation of Teachers Massachusetts in a statement.
Kontos said Crescenzo earned the support because he is committed to fully funding schools and he wants to prioritize classroom learning over standardized testing.
“He has the energy and skill-set to lead us going forward and we are pleased to endorse his candidacy,” she said.
Peter MacKinnon, president of 509 SEIU, said members need someone on the front lines serving the most vulnerable citizens in the state.
“Matt is the person we need in the State House,” he said.
