The incumbent Democrat is looking to hold her 5th Congressional District seat against Republican John Hugo.
Congresswoman Katherine Clark is running for re-election in the state’s 5th Congressional District this year. The 55-year-old Democrat was first elected to the House of Representatives in a special election in 2013, succeeding now-Senator Ed Markey.
Clark’s district includes Arlington, Belmont, Cambridge, Framingham, Lexington, Malden, Medford, Melrose, Natick, Sherborn, Stoneham, Sudbury, Wayland, Waltham, Watertown, Weston, Winchester and Woburn. She has also served as a state representative, a state senator and a school committee member.
Clark lives in Melrose with her husband, Rodney, and their three sons, Addison, Jared and Nathaniel. The following are responses Clark gave to questions Patch posed to all candidates running in the race:
The single most pressing issue facing our (board, district, etc.) is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.
The economic security of families. Throughout my career, I have worked to ensure that Massachusetts families have a fair shot at success. This includes access to a great public education, creation of good jobs, expansion of affordable, high quality child care and paid leave, ensuring equal pay for equal work, fighting Republican efforts to repeal health care coverage, and protecting Social Security and Medicare.
What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?
I have a proven track record of listening to the needs of Massachusetts families and fighting for them.
Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform:
During my time in Congress, I have worked collaboratively with families, caregivers and law enforcement to fight the opioid epidemic. I am proud of the progress we have made, especially bipartisan legislation I have passed to improve care for infants exposed to opioids, increase access to treatment for substance use disorder, and reduce the supply of opioids in our communities.
I’m also proud to stand up for common sense measures to reduce gun violence, including universal background checks, keeping guns from domestic abusers and other violent offenders, and banning assault weapons.
What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?
Even in the midst of partisan gridlock in Washington, I have consistently found ways to get results for Massachusetts families.
The best advice ever shared with me was …
My grandmother showed me that I should never back down from fighting for what’s right, but I should also be kind while doing it. I try to live up to her example every day.
What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?
Serving the people of Massachusetts in Congress is a great honor. I respectfully ask for your vote to continue fighting for the residents of the Fifth Congressional District.
