SWAMPSCOTT — Swampscott Select Board Chair Katie Phelan has endorsed Democratic congressional candidate Dan Koh in the race to succeed U.S. Rep. Seth Moulton in Massachusetts’ 6th Congressional District.
Phelan announced her endorsement on Monday, pointing to Koh’s experience in local government and federal service as reasons she believes he would effectively represent communities across the North Shore and northeastern Massachusetts.
“Dan Koh understands the importance of showing up for every town and city in the district,” Phelan said. “From his tenure on the Andover Select Board to his service in the Biden administration, Dan has a track record of rolling up his sleeves and getting things done, which is why I am proud to endorse his campaign for Congress. I’m confident he will bring that same commitment to supporting our communities on the local level.”
Koh previously served on the Andover Select Board and later worked in the administration of former President Joe Biden. Before joining the Biden administration, he also served as chief of staff to former Boston Mayor Marty Walsh, where he worked on city operations, transportation, labor relations, and housing initiatives. During his time in Boston city government, Koh was involved in projects related to municipal services, neighborhood outreach, and infrastructure planning.
The race has drawn significant attention following Moulton’s decision to run for the U.S. Senate seat currently held by Ed Markey. Moulton has represented the district since 2015 and announced earlier this year that he would not seek reelection to the House, creating an open congressional seat for the first time in over a decade.
Koh’s campaign said it has secured more than 65 endorsements from elected officials, labor unions, and community leaders. Supporters include Biden, former Vice President Kamala Harris, and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. On the local level, Koh has also been endorsed by Doug Thompson, the former vice chair of the Swampscott Select Board.
Koh has also raised more than $3.5 million, which his campaign described as a fundraising record for a Massachusetts congressional candidate at this stage of the race. Fundraising has become a major point of attention in the primary as candidates compete to build name recognition across the district.
In a statement, Koh thanked Phelan for her endorsement and praised her approach to local leadership.
“It means so much to have the endorsement of Chair Phelan,” Koh said. “Katie has spent her career stepping up for her community. Her accessibility to constituents and willingness to reach across divides to get things done is exactly what we need in office right now. I hope to bring the same fighting spirit to Congress as I challenge the Trump administration’s corruption and work alongside local trailblazers like her to build a better 6th District.”
Phelan has served on Swampscott’s Select Board since 2022, and was recently re-appointed as chair by a unanimous vote of the board. She has served in a period marked by discussions on housing development, budgeting, capital planning, and infrastructure projects in town.
Municipal endorsements have increasingly become part of the broader campaign strategy in the 6th District race, as candidates seek support from local officials familiar with regional issues facing cities and towns on the North Shore. The Democratic field in the 6th District race includes several current and former elected officials and community advocates, including Koh, Bethany Andres-Beck, John Beccia, Jamie Belsito, Mariah Lancaster, and Tram Nguyen.
Phelan’s endorsement adds another North Shore municipal official to Koh’s growing coalition as candidates continue to compete for support ahead of the Democratic primary, which will be held on Sept. 1, 2026.
