Charlestown resident and candidate for state representative, Dan Ryan’s campaign is moving full steam ahead and getting support from outside the neighborhood. Ryan is hoping to bring the seat back to Charlestown for the first time since Jimmy Collins held the seat back in 1977.
In 1978 the seat was redistricted and Collins was ousted by Chelsea’s Richie Voke. The seat has been held by Chelsea residents ever since.
Last week Ryan, U.S. Congressman Michael Capuano former aide, received the endorsement of Chelsea City Council President Matt Frank. The seat, which was held for 17 years by Rep. Eugene O’Flaherty, includes Charlestown and Chelsea. O’Flaherty left the seat to become Mayor Martin Walsh’s chief corporation council.
A special election has been set for Tuesday, March 4.
“I’m honored to have been endorsed by City Council President Matt Frank,” said Ryan. ” Matt and I share a vision that stretches across the district – fostering economic development and job creation, improving access to quality education, and enhancing our local business districts.”
Frank said, “I’m proud to support Dan Ryan’s campaign for State Representative. Dan is a community leader with a proven track record of getting things done. He understands the issues facing Chelsea and will be a strong, progressive voice for our community. I know that Dan is the right person for the job.”
Ryan also officially kicked off his candidacy at the Warren Tavern last Wednesday.
“My head-count put the crowd at Danny Ryan’s campaign kick-off upwards of 150 well wishers,” said Sal Giarratani a former writer for the Charlestown Patriot. “Impressively, I noticed a few Chelsea folks there too.”
Former City Councilor at Large Candidate Jack Kelly, who topped the ticked in Chalrestown but lost citywide, has thrown his support behind Ryan. Kelly recently dropped his bid for the state rep seat to join Joe Avellone’s Campaign for Governor as a Senior Advisor.