Vote September 3rdDemocratic primary
Meet Erika
Erika is running for State Rep in Somerville to fight for a government that works for the many, not the few. Erika founded Act on Mass, the lead organization advocating for transparency and progressive causes in the MA State House.
Erika has worked closely with State Reps, unions, and progressive advocacy orgs to fight for key wins in the legislature. She has blocked corporate tax breaks and helped win $1.5B for our public schools. She is the only candidate with the experience and courage to fight for the government we need in these unprecedented times.
Vote for Erika in the Democratic Primary on Tuesday, September 3
Erika is running for State Representative in Somerville (27th Middlesex District). Are you registered to vote in Erika’s district? Check your voter registration status below to confirm you can vote for Erika on September 3!
Click on the map for an interactive map of Erika’s district!
Every one of us has a right to a dignified life
This means that everyone’s basic human needs are met ̶ including housing, healthcare, education, and a livable climate ̶ and that every one of us has the voice and agency to shape our shared Commonwealth.
Erika’s top priorities:
Housing justice, because safe, stable housing is a human right. We must stop displacement of working and middle-class residents.
A Massachusetts Green New Deal, because a healthy planet is key to a healthy future for our children.
Fully funded public education from pre-K to college because every person deserves high quality education.
Immigration reform, because no one should live in fear, regardless of immigration status.
Endorsing Organizations
Endorsed by
Local Elected Officials
Ben Ewen-Campen
Somerville City Councilor (Ward 3)
“I'm excited to support Erika for State Representative because she understands in order for us to make progress on the big, important issues in Massachusetts like affordable housing, economic inequality, public education, and climate justice. We need to change "business as usual" at the State House. Erika's impressive background in both economics and organizing make her well-equipped to step into the job on day one. I know she will represent Somerville well.”
Will Mbah
Somerville City Councilor At-Large
“Erika is deeply connected to the issues that many Somervillens face. She knows from personal experience what it is to be a person of color and immigrant in our community and is motivated to fight for equity for all residents of Somerville.”
Sarah Phillips
Somerville School Committee Member (Ward 3)
JT Scott
Somerville City Councilor (Ward 2)
Jesse Clingan
Somerville City Councilor (Ward 4)
“Erika is putting forth a true progressive vision and agenda for Somerville. We need bold ideas and unwavering commitment to meet the unprecedented needs of our community. Erika is the leader we need and deserve.”
Quinton Zondervan
Cambridge City Council
“Erika is a dedicated, longtime progressive activist and community organizer. I wholeheartedly endorse her for State Representative because we need more progressives in the State Legislature who will fight against corporate facism and fight for social justice, climate justice, and equity.”
Jivan Sobrinho-Wheeler
Cambridge City Council
“Erika knows the State House through her work fighting for greater transparency in state government. She brings the movement-building that we need to fight for tenant protetctions, like rent control, better public transit, and climate justice.”
State Elected Officials
Jack Patrick Lewis
State Representative (D-Framingham) and Co-Chair of the Progressive Caucus
“We need more champions for progressive policies in the State House in order to move our communities and the Commonwealth forward. Erika's values, her knowledge of the State House, and her history of advocating for progressive policies makes her exactly the right person for the job. I am looking forward to partnering together to bring about the progressive change that our constituents are calling for.”
Jamie Eldridge
State Senator (D-Acton)
“If we want to reform qualified immunity or make a Massachusetts Green New Deal or Medicare for All a reality, we need progressive leaders in our legislature who know how to get things done. Erika is the clear progressive choice, and with her in the State House, we can bring real change to MA.”
Maria Robinson
State Representative (D-Framingham)
“Erika has led a conversation around transparency in Massachusetts that has made the State House more accessible to voters across the Commonwealth. I look forward to working with her productively on a wide range of progressive issues in the House.”
Rebecca Rausch
State Senator (D-Needham)
“From our days in Emerge to her work leading Act on Mass, I have always known Erika to be a fierce fighter for justice, equity, and transparency in government. She’s a deeply dedicated advocate, and she will bring that passion to the State House, pushing for progress on our shared values and uplifting her constituents.”
Lindsay Sabadosa
State Representative (D-Northampton)
“In the face of rising income inequality and growing inequities exacerbated by COVID, we need a strong coalition of progressive voices at the State House to move the needle in the direction of the people. Erika knows the State House and is ready to champion the issues that will lead to real recovery. Her intelligence, passion, and courage will serve her district well and will allow her to meet the challenges of our times.”
Jay Kaufman
Former State Representative for Lexington and former Chair of the Revenue Committee
“Erika has won the endorsement of all major statewide progressive organizations because of her effectiveness in advancing progressive causes and State House accountability. Those organizations know, as I do, that Erika won’t just be a reliable voice and vote, but a leader on the causes we care about.”
Patrick Kearney
State Representative (D-Scituate)
“I’m proud to stand in solidarity with Erika and fully support her to be the next State Representative for the 27th Middlesex. Through Erika’s advocacy work, she is familiar with the legislative process and knows what needs to change to make our Commonwealth a better place. She is the clear choice to get things done for the people of Somerville during this pandemic, and will be a critical voice at the table as we navigate the recovery. I ask that you join me in supporting her.”
Press
7 State Representatives and State Senators Endorse Erika Uyterhoeven for State Representative
Press release - Aug 26, 2020
Erika Uyterhoeven receives endorsements from every labor union and progressive advocacy organization based in MA that has endorsed in the 27th Middlesex race
Press release - Aug 20, 2020
Ben Ewen-Campen: Why I’m supporting Erika Uyterhoeven for state representative
Somerville Wicked Local - Jul 31, 2020
Somerville Councilor J.T. Scott on why he’s supporting Erika Uyterhoeven for state rep
Somerville Wicked Local - Aug 17, 2020
Planned Parenthood Advocacy Fund Endorses Erika Uyterhoeven for State Representative
Planned Parenthood press release - Aug 12, 2020
Setting the record straight on my opponent's unfounded accusations
Press release - Aug 13, 2020
Somerville City Elected Officials Endorse Erika Uyterhoeven for State Representative
Press release - Aug 10, 2020
“Erika [...] believes deeply in a progressive future for our city and state and has already been doing the work to make it real”. JT Scott, City Councilor for Ward 2
Massachusetts AFL-CIO, Laborer’s International Union, others endorse Erika Uyterhoeven
Press release - Aug 3, 2020
Over the past few weeks, Erika Uyterhoeven, candidate for Massachusetts State Representative for the 27th Middlesex District in Somerville, has received endorsements from ten labor unions in Massachusetts.
Sunrise Movement Hubs Boston and Tufts Endorse Erika Uyterhoeven for State Representative
Press release - June 9, 2020
“Erika has been a powerful ally to Sunrise since well before she announced her candidacy, working with us extensively to pressure the Massachusetts State House to pass legislation on the scale required to stop the climate crisis,”
FIRST IN PLAYBOOK: “Mass Alliance Endorses Erika Uyterhoeven for State Representative,”
Politico Massachusetts Playbook - May 26, 2020
“Mass Alliance, a coalition for political and advocacy organizations that work together to build a progressive Massachusetts, is proud to announce its endorsement of Erika Uyterhoeven, candidate for State Representative.”
DeLeo drops proposed rule making roll calls more difficult
Common Wealth Magazine - Apr 28, 2020
“This roll call change doesn’t seem to be about anything about streamlining or having a remote session,” said Matt Miller, co-founder of Act on Mass, a progressive government transparency group. “It will reduce the ability for voters to know how representatives are voting on controversial stuff.”
MEET ERIKA UYTERHOEVEN: ACTIVIST AND ECONOMIST RUNNING FOR SOMERVILLE STATE REP
Somerville Wicked Local - March 13, 2020
“Her platform is rather straightforward: Uyterhoeven plans to advocate for an accessible, transparent government that ensures every voice is heard on key issues like worker’s rights, housing justice, climate action, public education, and immigration reform.”
First in Playbook: Progressive Dem seeks to replace Provost
Politico Massachusetts Playbook - January 27, 2020
“The Massachusetts House of Representatives prioritizes business interests over passing popular progressive legislation," Uyterhoeven said in a statement. "I am running to enact a Massachusetts Green New Deal, fully fund our public schools and public transportation, and guarantee affordable housing for all. To do this, businesses and the wealthy must pay their fair share, and I’ll make sure they do.”
Erika Uyterhoeven Declares Candidacy for 27th Middlesex State Representative
The Somerville Times - February 3, 2020
“The Massachusetts House of Representatives prioritizes business interests over passing popular progressive legislation. I am running to enact a Massachusetts Green New Deal, fully fund our public schools and public transportation, and guarantee affordable housing for all. To do this, businesses and the wealthy must pay their fair share, and I’ll make sure they do,” Uyterhoeven said.
Livestream Events
House Elections Bill – Voting in MA during the COVID-19 Crisis
CARES Act – What You Need to Know About the Largest Stimulus Bill in US History
Racial Equity in Public Education – Shifting our Frame from the Achievement Gap to the Opportunity Gap, with Charles FitzGibbon
The Need for Equitable State Stimulus, with Former Chair of Revenue Jay Kaufman
The People’s Bailout, Decarceration, and COVID-19, with Somerville City Councilor JT Scott
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