March 22, 2022 — Today, Tanisha Sullivan announced that her campaign for Secretary of State has received the support of several leading elected officials in Boston:
- State Representatives Russell Holmes;
- State Representative Nika Elugardo;
- State Representative Liz Miranda;
- Boston City Councilor At-Large Julia Mejia;
- Boston City Councilor At-Large Ruthzee Louijeune;
- District 5 City Councilor Ricardo Arroyo;
- District 6 City Councilor Kendra Lara; and,
- District 7 City Councilor Tania Fernandes Anderson
“As we grow our campaign, I’m grateful to have the support and confidence of such a dynamic group of elected leaders representing all neighborhoods across Boston,” said Sullivan. “They are impact and solutions driven leaders with demonstrated track records of working to increase opportunity and expand access for all. I’m excited to build on my work with all of them to create a stronger, more vibrant, and expansive democracy for communities in Boston and across the Commonwealth.”
“I’ve known and worked alongside Tanisha for years,” said Representative Holmes, “and I’ve seen firsthand her commitment to service and to working with community to advance real, impactful solutions. As a small business owner and a lawmaker on Beacon Hill, I know the many ways in which the Secretary of State’s office touches the lives of people in Massachusetts, and Tanisha is the right person to ensure that our democracy is more equitable and more accessible for everyone.”
“Tanisha’s outstanding record as an attorney, organizer, and civil rights leader uniquely equips her for Secretary of State at a time when civil rights, voting rights, and economic opportunity for far too many people – particularly Black and Brown people – are under threat,” said Representative Elugardo. “Justice for some isn’t good enough. We mustn’t settle for less than justice for all. Massachusetts must be a fierce and stand-out leader in protecting and maturing our democracy, and no one holds a candle to Tanisha for that role.”
“This is a pivotal moment for our communities and our democracy, and it’s critically important that we elect a Secretary of State who will take a broad view of the office’s role in advancing equity and justice for people in Roxbury, Dorchester, Mattapan, Hyde Park, and throughout Massachusetts. I know Tanisha is the right person to lead this office, to protect voting rights, and help build a democracy that is more representative of all of our communities,” said Representative Miranda.
“I’m honored to call Tanisha a friend and sister-in-service,” said Councilor Mejia. “Tanisha is standing in her power and standing up for people in Boston and in Massachusetts who have been excluded and disengaged in government for far too long. She is reimagining what the Secretary of State’s office can and should be, and I’m so excited to work alongside her.”
“I’m happy to endorse Tanisha Sullivan for Secretary of State,” said Councilor Louijeune. “She will bring a fresh perspective and bold vision for an office that is central for the people of this Commonwealth to access democracy. I am confident that we will have a more transparent and justice-centered Massachusetts with her in this office, and I look forward to partnering with her to serve our residents.”
“Now more than ever, it is essential that our leadership is reflective of and responsive to the needs of our residents, and Tanisha is exactly the kind of leader we need in our Massachusetts Secretary of State’s office.” said Councilor Lara. “I’m proud to endorse her candidacy and look forward to working together to advance civil rights, advocate for racial, social, and economic justice, and expand opportunity for folks across Boston and the Commonwealth.”
“It is with the deepest regard that I wholeheartedly endorse Tanisha Sullivan for MA Secretary of State,” said Councilor Fernandes Anderson. “She is rooted in Boston, and her stellar career in law, culminating in her election as President of the Boston branch of the NAACP, speaks to her continued struggles in the service of voting rights and the strengthening of representative democracy. Tanisha Sullivan is a powerful and profound voice, and I proudly stand with her in her attempt to ascend to this prestigious position.”
“I have enormous respect for Tanisha’s work as an attorney, as an advocate, and as a tireless champion for civil rights as the head of the Boston NAACP,” said Councilor Arroyo. “She and I share a deep commitment to advancing equity and justice for all of our communities, and I’m excited to see the impact of her leadership in the Secretary of State’s office.”
Today’s announcement marks the second major endorsement announcement since Sullivan launched her campaign earlier this year. In February, national democracy advocate and former Massachusetts gubernatorial candidate Danielle Allen endorsed Sullivan’s run for Secretary of State, citing her commitment to use the powers of the Secretary of State to “advance racial justice, voting rights, economic opportunity, and more.”
About Tanisha Sullivan
Tanisha is an attorney, former Chief Equity Officer in the Boston Public Schools and President of the NAACP Boston, who has led a career dedicated to service—from working in community and across the ideological spectrum to deliver on civil rights and social, economic, and racial justice, to decades as a practicing lawyer in corporate firms and life science companies. A Brockton native, she’s running for Massachusetts Secretary of State because it’s time to realize the full potential of this office in the fight to protect voting rights, increase government transparency and accessibility, engage the electorate, and build a stronger, more vibrant democracy for all.
Those interested in learning more about Tanisha and her campaign can visit www.TanishaSullivan.com and follow her @Tanisha4MA on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.