LYNN — Congressman Seth Moulton has announced that he is endorsing Jared Nicholson for mayor, saying the longtime School Committee member is what the city needs right now.
Moulton joined Nicholson at the Lynn Commuter Rail station in Central Square Saturday afternoon, where they discussed the importance of bringing reliable, regular train and ferry service to Lynn. Improving public transportation in the city has been a key priority for Moulton throughout his time in Congress.
“This is a critical time in the city of Lynn’s history and if we navigate this moment well and have a good partnership between federal and local government, we can do big things,” Moulton said in his endorsement. “We can electrify the commuter rail system to turn it into a regional rail system… and we can even extend the Blue Line and make Lynn for Boston what Brooklyn is for Manhattan, and I want to work with Jared to do that.”
Nicholson agreed with Moulton in terms of a more reliable Commuter Rail being a key priority for the city, saying it is an important collaboration among city officials, the state delegation and federal leadership.
As the two made their way through the station, they talked about the benefits of an electrified system, explaining that it would limit air and noise pollution. Moulton said a modern high-speed rail system would make about the same noise as a light pickup truck.
Nicholson praised Moulton and state Sen. Brendan Crighton (D-Lynn) — who has also endorsed Nicholson for mayor — as well as state Reps. Peter Capano and Daniel Cahill (D-Lynn) for continuing to lobby the MBTA to improve public transportation in the city.
The key next step, Nicholson said, is electrifying the Commuter Rail, which has also been a focus for both Moulton and current Mayor Thomas M. McGee, who has decided not to seek reelection.
Moulton said he has always been impressed by Nicholson’s leadership, intellect and commitment, and has watched him interact with community members and listen to what they have to say.
“I think he represents the type of next-generation leadership and forward thinking that’s needed to keep Lynn on a positive trajectory,” Moulton said.
Nicholson also mentioned that he has admired Moulton’s leadership and that it means so much to him to have his support and confidence.
Moulton highlighted Nicholson’s inclusive vision for all of Lynn that “leaves no one behind in its growth.”
He said Nicholson has demonstrated that he is a leader not only during his time in local government but through writing op-eds discussing domestic abuse, housing, gun violence and school funding.
He also praised Nicholson for soliciting ideas from people all over the community, saying he is a “true servant leader, not arrogant or self-righteous in any way, which is exactly the type of leadership that Lynn needs.”
Moulton said he doesn’t usually get involved in local races, but he thinks this is “a real moment for Lynn” and that’s why he wants to see Nicholson at the helm. He said Lynn has “unbelievable potential,” but noted that he believes some city leaders are stuck in the past.
“(There’s) sort of an old boys’ network who just likes things the way they are,” said Moulton.
Nicholson said he is thrilled to have the support of Moulton, adding that he is honored that Moulton has that “level of confidence in what we’re doing on my campaign.”
“It’s a really strong indication of the momentum that we’re building,” Nicholson said.
Nicholson added that collaboration is a key part of his campaign and working with the federal government is important.
Nicholson will face City Council President Darren Cyr and fellow School Committee member Michael Satterwhite in the Sept. 14 primary. The two candidates with the highest number of votes will move on to the November election.
