PRESS RELEASE: Gifford on the Ballot for MA-03 Election
Nomination papers submitted with 2,000 certified signatures
April 9, 2018
LOWELL—Rufus Gifford, candidate for Congress in Massachusetts’ 3rd congressional district, today announced he is officially on the ballot for the Democratic primary to replace Rep. Niki Tsongas after he submitted 2,000 certified signatures to the Secretary of the Commonwealth. The campaign also announced it received signatures from all 37 cities and towns in the district.
“I’m so excited to reach this milestone,” said Gifford. “It’s a testament to the amazing volunteers and supporters who crisscrossed all 37 cities and towns with me engaging voters—and there’s much more to come.”
Gifford, a senior leader on both of President Barack Obama’s successful presidential campaigns, is prioritizing a people-first, grassroots-focused campaign strategy. The campaign is committed to reaching people where they are, communicating in languages they speak, and engaging them at the door, on the phone, and online.
“Whether it’s signature collection, phone banking, or knocking on doors, we have invested heavily in grassroots organizing and old-fashioned neighbor-to-neighbor conversations,” said Gifford. “To me, this is about restoring trust in our system. It’s about bringing our democracy back to its most basic form, the human relationship.”
About Rufus:
Rufus Gifford is a candidate for Congress in Massachusetts’ 3rd congressional district. He announced his candidacy on November 13, 2017. From 2013 to 2017, he was U.S. Ambassador to Denmark, the culmination of ten years serving as a senior aide to President Barack Obama. As Ambassador, he led efforts to address climate change, build international coalitions, and invest in people-to-people diplomacy.
At home, he was a senior leader on both of Obama’s presidential campaigns and helped pass key Obama agenda items like the Affordable Care Act. Before that, he advocated for progressive causes, including LGBT rights, and advised Democratic officials across the country.
Gifford lives in Concord with his husband, veterinarian Stephen DeVincent, and their dog Argos. For more information, visit: www.RufusGifford.com.
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