New Politics, the national organization that recruits and supports national service leaders and military veterans for elected office, this week endorsed Dr. Jon Santiago in his campaign for state representative in Massachusetts’ Ninth Suffolk District.
A Returned Peace Corps Volunteer, captain in the Army Reserve, and emergency room doctor at Boston Medical Center, Santiago is part of New Politics’ first round of national endorsements at the state legislative level.
“Dr. Jon Santiago has dedicated his life to serving the community and putting others first, and we’re proud to endorse his campaign,” said Emily Cherniack, executive director and founder of New Politics. “From the Peace Corps to the emergency room, Jon knows what it means to solve tough problems and put service above self. He’s a tireless advocate for those who too often don’t have a voice in our politics, and we couldn’t be prouder of the grassroots movement he’s built. We look forward to seeing him in the State House.”
Dr. Santiago is leading a grassroots campaign that is energizing the Ninth District with face-to-face conversations between neighbors. His campaign was the first to collect enough signatures to get on the ballot for the Sept. 4 Democratic Primary. In just a couple of months, Dr. Santiago and his team of volunteers have knocked on 2,000 doors in the district, which includes the South End, Roxbury, Back Bay, and Fenway.
“I’m proud to receive this endorsement from an organization that understands the value of public servants in elected office,” Dr. Santiago said. “Now more than ever, we need bold, engaged leadership to fight for our community.”
On Memorial Day, Santiago said New Politics is an organization that believes public service translates to good public policy. He said it’s the same organization that launched Congressman Seth Moulton’s career.
“They are unafraid to take on the establishment and they believe in bold change,” he said.
Santiago added that he has just concluded a door-knocking campaign in the district that hit up 2,500 doors.