Statewide Progressive Coalition Endorses Daniel Lander’s Senate Bid

Daniel A. Lander ’14 picked up his first major endorsement in the state Senate race this week, as Mass Alliance — a coalition of labor unions and progressive advocacy groups — backed his bid to unseat incumbent William N. Brownsberger ’78.

The endorsement gives an early boost to Lander’s campaign, which he launched in December to challenge Brownsberger, a longtime lawmaker who has represented Belmont, Watertown, and parts of Boston and Cambridge unopposed since 2012.

Mass Alliance, founded in 2006, includes 30 labor and progressive organizations such as the Massachusetts Teachers Association, 350 Mass Action, and Reproductive Equity Now. The group has historically supported candidates across the Commonwealth — including Brownsberger himself early in his career, when he served in the state House from 2006 to 2010.

The backing marks Lander’s second endorsement in recent weeks, following support from IBEW Local 2222, the union representing State House employees. In a Thursday interview, Lander said the endorsements signal growing credibility for his campaign.

“It really helps people understand that this campaign is real,” he said.

In a Tuesday press release, Mass Alliance Executive Director Vanessa A. Snow called Lander a “proven progressive champion” with a record of advancing “equity-centered policy.”

“His commitment to workers’ rights, housing, climate, and social justice, combined with his strategic thinking, will make him an effective co-governing partner with the progressive movement to deliver real solutions,” Snow said.

Lander described the endorsement as a “great shot of momentum” and used it to sharpen his critique of Beacon Hill.

“We need leaders who are going to fight to build a better Massachusetts,” he said, arguing that incumbent lawmakers are falling short.

Lander has repeatedly framed his campaign as a challenge to the “broken status quo” in the state Legislature. Though this is his first run for office, Lander has pointed to his experience working on campaigns for Boston Mayor Michelle Wu ’07, Sen. Elizabeth Warren, and former Rep. Stacey Y. Abrams.

Brownsberger, the third-highest-ranking member of the state Senate, has begun consolidating support of his own. Since late January, he has amassed support from Governor Maura T. Healey ’92, all nine current and two former Watertown City Councilors, and the LGBTQ+ Victory Fund.

Lander said his backing from labor and progressive groups draws a clear contrast between his campaign and Brownsberger’s.

“It makes clear that I am the person who is going to champion building a more progressive Massachusetts,” he said. “I’m not going to be comfortable with the status quo that people know is failing.”

—Staff writer Wyatt T. Zurline can be reached [email protected].