The COVID pandemic, in the words of Mercy & Baystate’s then leaders, provided an opportunity to collaborate and share resources. As the shroud of the coronavirus began to lift, they took turns appearing at the weekly pressers. One did not quite represent the other at each tradeoff. Little would anybody know then that their successors—or perhaps successor—could conceivably be in a position to do so.
In his opening remarks at a hearing with US Health & Human Services Secretary Robert Kennedy, Jr., Springfield Congressman and Ways & Means Committee Ranking Member Richard Neal alluded to their shared, if indirect history. As a young man, Neal supported Kennedy’s father, the OG Bobby Kennedy. Twelve years later, Neal was a delegate for Senator Edward Kennedy.
There were four concurring opinions, two dissents, and a majority opinion that had only three votes in parts. Nevertheless, a solid six justices said Trump lacked the power to impose these tariffs. The Bay State’s electeds welcomed the ruling and blasted Trump for instituting them in the first place.
Springfield Congressman Richard Neal is facing a primary challenge from Jeromie Whalen, a teacher who lives in South Hadley. Whalen has tried to harness ubiquity to overcome Neals’ advantages like fundraising. In the final quarter of 2025, Neal raised nearly ten times as much as Whalen.
In the days and weeks since agents of the federal government shot Renee Good in the face and Alex Pretti in the back, support for turfing DHS Secretary Kristi Noem has spread across the Democratic caucus. Both of the 413’s Congressmen, Richard Neal of Springfield and James McGovern of Worcester, whose Central Massachusetts district reaches into the upper Pioneer Valley, have cosponsored an impeachment resolution against Noem.
For a moment in August, it seemed like the race for Springfield’s Ward 1 Council seat was over. The incumbent, Maria Perez, had just filed a suit against her now-former employer, the New North Citizens Council (NNCC), and her election opponent, Joesiah Gonzalez. Yet before the month was out, he was campaigning again and marched in Springfield’s Puerto Rican parade.
After a two-cycle reprieve, Springfield Congressman Richard Neal, the top Dem on one of Congress’s most powerful committees, will face a primary. Teacher Jeromie Whalen made the local media rounds this past week, confirming speculation that had been percolating at least since spring.
Senator Ed Markey has already received support for his reelection from the commonwealth’s east and west. That support is now meeting in its (geographic) center. In a video, Worcester Congressman James McGovern, who also represents much of Franklin and Hampshire counties, announced his support for Markey adding “there is no better fighter in the Senate.”
Senator Elizabeth Warren kicked it off. In a video, she announced her support for the reelection of her Senate colleague, Ed Markey. Since then, a bevy of pols in Southeastern and Western Mass have come out for the incumbent. Such an early show of force—and
Republicans in the United State House of Representatives jammed through their budget and spending bill this week. Given their rank in the Democratic caucus, both reps for Western Massachusetts featured prominently in the debate.