Massachusetts South Shore Progressives

09/08/2026

IS THE MASSACHUSETTS SENATE ABOUT TO MOVE LEFT — AND WHAT WOULD THAT ACTUALLY CHANGE?

The Massachusetts Senate could look considerably different when the next legislative session begins — and the changes may give the chamber’s progressive wing more influence over both policy and how business gets done on Beacon Hill.

Recent Democratic primary results, combined with retirements and potentially one still-unresolved race, are changing the composition of a Senate where President Karen Spilka has exercised substantial leadership power.

Axios Boston reports that Spilka is losing several experienced senators who have played important roles within Senate leadership, while newly elected or incoming lawmakers could strengthen the chamber’s progressive bloc. (Axios⁠)

Among the changes:

Sen. Pat Jehlen, a longtime progressive senator representing Somerville and surrounding communities, is retiring.

Sen. Mike Rush, the Senate Majority Whip and an important member of leadership, lost his Democratic primary to progressive challenger Persis Yu. (BostonGlobe.com⁠)

And Democratic Socialist state Rep. Erika Uyterhoeven won the Democratic primary for Jehlen’s open Senate district covering Somerville, Medford and parts of Cambridge. WBUR reported that she defeated several candidates, including a more institutional progressive backed by Jehlen and Gov. Maura Healey. (WBUR⁠)

Meanwhile, the political future of Senate President Pro Tempore Will Brownsberger, one of the Senate’s highest-ranking members, remains unresolved in an extraordinarily close contest with challenger Daniel Lander. A recount is underway, so no final result should yet be assumed. (BostonGlobe.com⁠)

WHAT COULD ACTUALLY CHANGE?

Changing senators doesn’t automatically change Massachusetts law.

But a larger and more assertive progressive bloc could affect which proposals receive sustained attention and how much pressure Senate leadership faces to bring legislation forward.

Among the issues Axios identifies as potentially benefiting from the changing Senate are rent stabilization and Medicare for All. (Axios⁠)

Housing could be particularly important.

Boston Mayor Michelle Wu has repeatedly encountered resistance in the Senate to some of her housing and tax proposals. Two recent Senate primaries involving Brownsberger and Sen. Nick Collins became intertwined with disagreements over Wu’s proposal to temporarily shift more of Boston’s property-tax burden from residential taxpayers to commercial properties. Collins won his primary, while the Brownsberger race remains subject to recount proceedings. (BostonGlobe.com⁠)

THE FIGHT MAY ALSO BE ABOUT HOW BEACON HILL OPERATES

The potential change is not limited to policy.

Some incoming lawmakers campaigned on changing the Legislature’s internal culture, including the concentration of power among leadership and committee chairs.

Axios reports that new members are expected to push for changes in legislative process and decision-making, potentially giving rank-and-file senators a stronger voice. (Axios⁠)

That matters because Massachusetts has long faced criticism over the Legislature’s transparency and the amount of authority concentrated in leadership.

A more independent progressive bloc could therefore create debates over two different questions:

What policies should Massachusetts enact?

And:

Who inside the Legislature gets to decide which proposals actually receive votes?

WHAT TO WATCH IN 2027

The real test will come after the new Senate takes office.

Will progressive priorities such as rent stabilization or expanded government-backed healthcare move further?

Will tax policy change?

Will committee procedures become more transparent?

Will individual senators obtain more influence relative to Senate leadership?

Or will the institutional structure of Beacon Hill prove stronger than the ideological changes produced by one election cycle?

Those questions will determine whether Massachusetts is witnessing simply a change in personalities — or the beginning of a meaningful shift in the direction and operation of the State Senate.

Massachusetts South Shore Progressives

08/21/2026

Early Voting Begins Saturday: Markey vs. Moulton — Make Your Case

Early voting begins Saturday, August 22, in Massachusetts’ Democratic primary, and the U.S. Senate race between Sen. Ed Markey and Rep. Seth Moulton is entering its final stretch before the September 1 primary.

Recent polling gives Markey a significant advantage. A Suffolk University/Boston Globe poll released this week found 52.2% of likely Democratic primary voters supporting Markey, compared with about 38% for Moulton, with roughly 9% still undecided.

At the same time, the Boston Globe Editorial Board endorsed Moulton, arguing that he offers generational change, leadership experience and a different approach to issues including transportation, foreign policy and the future of the Democratic Party. That endorsement represents the Globe editorial board’s view, not an independent assessment here.

Markey, meanwhile, has continued emphasizing his long progressive record, including climate policy and the Green New Deal, and this week received another high-profile endorsement from Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.

So as early voting begins, we’d like to hear from Massachusetts South Shore Progressives:

If you support Ed Markey, make the affirmative case for Markey.

If you support Seth Moulton, make the affirmative case for Moulton.

Try to focus on what you believe your candidate would actually bring to the Senate over the next six years.

Some questions worth considering:

* Which candidate better represents your priorities on climate and clean energy?
* Health care and prescription-drug costs?
* Housing affordability?
* Gaza, Israel and U.S. foreign policy?
* The Trump administration?
* Corporate power and economic inequality?
* Transportation and infrastructure?
* Does congressional seniority and experience matter more right now, or is generational change itself important?

And one request: make the case FOR your candidate rather than simply attacking the other one.

Many voters in this group have probably already decided, but others may still be weighing the race. A thoughtful discussion could actually be useful to people making their decision this weekend.

Who are you supporting — Markey or Moulton — and what is the strongest reason for your vote?

08/08/2026

Progressive economic ideas are polling surprisingly well with independents

A Reuters/Ipsos poll found 64% of independent voters support higher taxes on corporations and billionaires, while 60% support government-provided health coverage for everyone. At the same time, independents remain considerably less comfortable with the “democratic socialist” label.

Why it matters: There is an important political distinction between progressive policies and progressive labels. That is an excellent discussion topic for Massachusetts South Shore Progressives- what do you think? 🤔

07/26/2026

Boston Appeals Court Blocks Trump Mail-Voting Order—for Now

A federal appeals court based in Boston ruled Saturday that the Trump administration cannot enforce key parts of its executive order changing mail-in voting procedures in 23 states while a constitutional challenge moves forward. (Reuters⁠)

The First U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals left in place an earlier ruling by a federal judge in Boston that found significant portions of the order were likely unconstitutional. The administration argued the lawsuit was premature because federal agencies had not yet fully implemented the order, but the appeals court disagreed, noting that states were already facing election-planning deadlines. (Reuters⁠)

The ruling does not decide the ultimate legality of the executive order. Instead, it keeps the current rules in place while the case continues through the courts. The Justice Department could ask the U.S. Supreme Court to review the decision. (Reuters⁠)

Although this is a national story, it has a strong Massachusetts connection. The case was heard by the Boston-based First Circuit, and Massachusetts is one of the states challenging the executive order. (Reuters⁠)

Regardless of political views, the case raises an important constitutional question:

Who should have the authority to set the rules for federal elections—the President, Congress, or the states?

As always, please keep comments respectful and focused on the issues rather than one

06/26/2026

AI, government power, and civil liberty

The recent reports about the federal government delaying broader access to a powerful new AI model — while giving early access only to selected “trusted” users — should concern people across the political spectrum.

This is not about being anti-AI. AI can help ordinary citizens, workers, small businesses, lawyers, journalists, students, towns, and advocacy groups. But if the most powerful AI tools are controlled first by the federal government, large corporations, defense contractors, and politically connected insiders, we should all be asking hard questions.

Who decides who is “trusted”?

What standards are being used?

Is there public oversight?

Are civil liberties protected?

Will ordinary people eventually get access, or will this become another system where power flows upward and the public is told to wait and trust the experts?

Yes, powerful AI needs safety rules. But safety cannot become a cover for secrecy, favoritism, surveillance, or government control over who gets access to the most important technology of our time.

Progressives should insist on transparency, congressional oversight, civil-liberties protections, and equal public access once legitimate safety issues are addressed.

AI should not become a private club for government and corporate elites.

Guardrails, yes. A gatekeeping priesthood, no

06/15/2026

Indivisible Somerville is organizing now for the midterms — with a focus on taking back the House, competing for the Senate, defending democracy, supporting immigrant neighbors, and building local activist networks.

Upcoming ways to get involved:

Midterm Organizing Meeting
Tuesday, June 16, 7:30–9:00 PM
Teele Square, with Zoom option
Plan phone banks, canvassing, and neighborhood organizing.

Voter Registration in Maine
Saturday, June 20
Help register voters at Portland Pride.

July Chapter Meeting & Social
Tuesday, July 14, 6:30–8:30 PM
St. James Church, Cambridge

Learn about trainings, events, midterm planning, and community-building.

North Carolina Senate Phone Banks
Sunday evenings, 6:00–8:00 PM
Indivisible Somerville is partnering with All In for North Carolina to call voters in one of the most important Senate races in the country.

There are also opportunities to help with New Hampshire, Maine, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Texas, Florida, Ohio, Iowa, Alaska, Nebraska, and other key states.

Local actions continue as well, including Wednesday standouts at the ICE Field Office in Burlington, Friday Bridge Brigade actions, and Saturday standouts in Davis Square.

This is the time to get organized, meet fellow activists, and help build the turnout needed for the midterms.

For more information, RSVPs, or to get involved with Indivisible Somerville:
www.indivisiblesomerville.org
[email protected]

Indivisible Somerville is an activist group based in Somerville, Massachusetts, working to support democracy and oppose authoritarianism. Join us!

06/01/2026

🇺🇸 INDIVISIBLE HINGHAM HULL: UPCOMING EVENTS FOR DEMOCRACY, COMMUNITY & ACTION

Indivisible Hingham Hull is inviting South Shore residents to come together, meet neighbors, and get involved in several upcoming events — including local standouts, a June 3 meeting focused on the midterm elections, and a special concert watch party in Hull.

📍 WEEKLY STANDOUTS IN HULL & HINGHAM

🌊 Hull Standout — Thursdays
🗓 Every Thursday
⏰ 5:30–6:30 PM
📍 Nantasket Avenue, across from the Parrot

Bring a flag, a sign, a friend — or simply join others at the beach for an hour of peaceful community action.

🏘️ Hingham Square Standout — Wednesdays
🗓 Every Wednesday
⏰ 10:30–11:30 AM
📍 Hingham Square, near the Post Office

Please park in a public lot rather than directly in front of a local business.

⚓ Hingham Harbor Standout
🗓 Saturday, June 6
⏰ 10:30–11:30 AM
📍 Route 3A at Hingham Harbor

Bring a sign, wave to passing drivers, and enjoy a day near the water afterward.

As one participant put it:

“Even on a depressing news day, I get a great feeling of joy being with other people at a standout.”

🗳️ FOCUS ON THE MIDTERMS: MONTHLY MEETING
🗓 Wednesday, June 3
⏰ 7:00–8:30 PM
📍 Hingham Community Center, 70 South Street

How can local residents help reshape Congress through the midterm elections?

The meeting will explore practical ways to get involved, including:

✅ Postcards
✅ Canvassing
✅ Phone banks
✅ Standouts
✅ Fundraising
✅ Advocacy
✅ Voter registration
✅ Getting out the vote

Bring your ideas, your calendar, and the names of organizations doing work you admire.

🎶 RISE UP, SING OUT: CONCERT WATCH PARTY
🗓 Sunday, June 14
🚪 Doors open after 6:30 PM
🎥 Livestream begins at 7:30 PM
📍 The Parrot, Hull

Join neighbors for a livestream of “Rise Up, Sing Out: A Concert for the First Amendment.”

The event will feature an all-star lineup including Jane Fonda, Patti Smith, Bette Midler, Rufus Wainwright, Joy Reid, Wilson Cruz, Broadway Inspirational Voices, and more.

The 90-minute concert will celebrate the freedoms protected by the First Amendment: speech, religion, press, assembly, and peaceful protest.

There will be light appetizers, a cash bar, music, conversation, and an opportunity to connect with neighbors.

🎟️ The event is free, but registration will be required because attendance is limited to 50 guests. Registration information will be shared soon.

Indivisible Hingham Hull emphasizes that its events are committed to peaceful, lawful, and nonviolent action. Participants are expected to de-escalate potential confrontations, and weapons of any kind should not be brought to events.

Whether you have been involved for years or are simply interested in learning more, everyone is welcome.

🇺🇸 **Together, we can strengthen democracy, protect fundamental freedoms, and build a more engaged South Shore community.

05/28/2026

🇺🇸 Indivisible Hingham Hull: Upcoming Local Actions, Meeting & Concert Watch Party
Indivisible Hingham Hull has several upcoming opportunities for people on the South Shore to gather, connect, and take action together.

1. Hull Standout — Thursdays
📍 Nantasket Ave., across from The Parrot
🕠 Thursdays, 5:30–6:30 PM
Bring a flag, a sign, a friend — or just come stand with neighbors.

2. Hingham Square Standout — Wednesdays
📍 Hingham Square, by the Post Office
🕥 Wednesdays, 10:30–11:30 AM
Organizers ask participants to park in a lot rather than directly in front of local shops.

3. Route 3A / Hingham Harbor Rally
📍 Along Route 3A at Hingham Harbor
📅 Saturday, June 6
🕥 10:30–11:30 AM
Bring a sign and join others along the road.

4. Monthly Meeting: Focus on the Midterms
📍 Hingham Community Center, 70 South St.
📅 Wednesday, June 3
🕖 7:00–8:30 PM

The meeting will focus on how local volunteers can help shape the upcoming midterm elections through postcards, canvassing, phone banks, standouts, fundraising, advocacy, voting, and get-out-the-vote efforts.

5. “Rise Up, Sing Out” Concert Watch Party
📍 The Parrot, Hull
📅 Sunday, June 14
🕡 Arrive any time after 6:30 PM
🎶 Livestream begins at 7:30 PM

This is a livestream watch party for “Rise Up, Sing Out: A Concert for the First Amendment,” featuring an all-star lineup including Jane Fonda, Patti Smith, Bette Midler, Rufus Wainwright, Joy Reid, Wilson Cruz, Broadway Inspirational Voices, and others.
The event is free, with light appetizers and a cash bar, but registration will be required because capacity is limited to 50 guests.

Organizers emphasize that all events are committed to lawful, peaceful, nonviolent action and de-escalation.

For more information, check Indivisible Hingham Hull’s event updates and registration announcements.

05/24/2026

Department of Think Globally Act Locally

Standup/Speak Out Updates

Sundays Scituate: 12-1pm, lawn of First Parish Scituate UU Church 330 First Parish Rd.

Rally with Stand Up, Speak Out - Hingham Square Wednesdays. 10:30-11:30
(If you would like to receive the Stand Up Speak Out newsletter, email [email protected])
Indivisible Hingham-Hull - Hingham Bathing Beach - 1st & 3rd Saturdays 10:30-11:30,Hull - Thursdays 5:30-6:30, Nantasket Ave across from the Parrot

Tuesdays Marshfield: 10:30-11:30AM 1880 Ocean St. In front of Dandelion Park.

Cohasset - 4th Saturday of each month 9 - 10AM - Route 3A in front of Stop & Shop

Wednesdays and Thursdays 11-1:00PM Bearing Witness at Burlington ICE Facility, 1000 district Ave, Burlington, MA. info HERE

Justice for All Thursdays, 11:00-1:00 at Burlington ICE facility. More info HERE

Indivisible Hingham-Hull is organizing monthly visits to La Colaborativa, an immigrant rights group in Chelsea, on Saturdays to hep with food distribution.

Contact Kathy Swanson for more information, [email protected]
Join your local Indivisible Group:
Indivisible Hingham-Hull: Indivisiblehinghamhull.org
Indivisible Scituate: IndivisibleScituate.org
March Forward/Indivisible Quincy: [email protected]
Or find other local Indivisible Groups: indivisible-ma.org

Welcome! Here’s your guide to Indivisible in Massachusetts. If you want to know more about local Indivisible groups in Massachusetts, or Indivisible Mass Coalition (IMC), this brief guide […]