Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey, the Democratic nominee for governor, endorsed state Rep. Paul Tucker, a former Salem police chief, for Essex District Attorney on Monday, applauding Tucker’s legal and administrative track record.
Tucker is running against James O’Shea, a Middleton-based attorney, to replace current Essex County District Attorney Jonathan Blodgett, who is not running for re-election after 20 years as district attorney. Blodgett also endorsed Tucker to replace him last week.
“These are folks I have worked with and who have seen me work,” Tucker said in a brief telephone interview. “It really validates my experience.”
Tucker announced Healey’s endorsement in a tweet Monday afternoon with a photo of the pair and a statement from Healey. Voters will effectively decide the race’s outcome in the Sept. 6 Democratic Primary Election, as both candidates are running as Democrats.
“Paul Tucker has what it takes to be Essex County’s next district attorney,” Healey said in the statement. “He has a proven track record as an attorney, public safety leader, and administrator. I’m proud to support him because I know he will work hard to secure justice for our communities.”
Tucker added that he is “grateful for the endorsement of our next governor of the Commonwealth,” expressing his support for Healey, who will face off against either Geoff Diehl or Chris Doughty, both Republicans, to replace outgoing Gov. Charlie Baker, who declined to seek reelection.
“Maura Healey has been a champion in the pursuit of justice for the people of Massachusetts,” Tucker said in a statement on Facebook. “It is an honor to have worked with her. She understands that public safety and criminal justice require a team effort at every level.”
O’Shea’s campaign could not be immediately reached for comment on Healey’s endorsement. In July, O’Shea received the endorsement of the Lynn Police Association.
Rachel Barber can be reached at [email protected].
