Mayor Wilson, State Rep Connolly, and Somerville City Councilors Endorse Ben Ewen-Campen for State Representative

Ben Ewen-Campen’s campaign for State Representative today announced a first round of endorsements from Mayor Jake Wilson, State Representative Mike Connolly, and City Councilors from across the 27th Middlesex District.

The endorsements include Somerville Mayor Jake Wilson, State Representative Mike Connolly, City Councilors Matt McLaughlin, JT Scott, Jesse Clingan, Naima Sait, Lance Davis, Emily Hardt, Jon Link, Will Mbah, and Ben Wheeler, as well as former Councilor Mary Jo Rossetti and former Ward 3 School Committee member Sarah Phillips. 

“Ben is exactly what you want in a public servant: Brilliant, creative, unafraid, dedicated, and caring. He has the progressive values we want representing us on Beacon Hill and an unparalleled track record of delivering on those as a legislator,” said Mayor Wilson in his endorsement.

“I’ve known Ben Ewen-Campen for 25 years,” said Councilor-At-Large Ben Wheeler,  “and I've seen him consistently approach problems the way a great public servant should: doing the homework, listening carefully, and building common ground. That combination of rigor and collaboration is exactly what we need in the State House, and I'm thrilled to have him represent our community there.”

In his endorsement, Ward 4 Councilor Jesse Clingan said: “Over the years we’ve served together on the Council, I’ve had the opportunity to see firsthand the kind of leader Ben is. He brings a thoughtful, technical approach to every issue he takes on, digging into the details and doing the work necessary to arrive at a common sense conclusion. No matter the issue, he takes the time to listen, understand concerns, and work collaboratively toward real solutions. We will be well served by Ben’s dedication, integrity, and steady leadership on Beacon Hill.”

“Somerville has shown what’s possible when local government is bold, collaborative, and accountable to residents — from our housing justice work to our work on development without displacement. I’m running to bring that same approach to Beacon Hill, and I’m humbled to have the support of the colleagues who helped make it happen,” said Ewen-Campen.

“The Democratic Primary election is on Tuesday, September 1. I’m fired up to earn every vote, and with such an extraordinary team of public servants behind me I’m more motivated than ever.”

I'm running for State Rep!

Somerville City Councilor Ben Ewen-Campen launches campaign for State Representative in the 27th Middlesex District

Five-term Councilor cites Somerville's progressive track record as model for Beacon Hill

SOMERVILLE, Mass., March 4, 2026 — Somerville Ward 3 City Councilor Ben Ewen-Campen today launched his campaign for State Representative in the 27th Middlesex District, an open seat following Rep. Uyterhoeven’s announcement that she is running for State Senate.

Ewen-Campen won his seat on the City Council in 2017, and over the past four terms has helped usher in a transformational array of progressive policy accomplishments in Somerville, including the most ambitious housing affordability agenda in the State, groundbreaking laws to ban facial recognition and regulate invasive surveillance technologies, policies to make our streets safer and to help our buses run faster, to protect immigrants and to fight for development without displacement.

“Getting things done in government is not easy, and it requires every tool there is. Sometimes it requires going toe-to-toe with large real estate developers or other special interests. Other times, it means sitting around the negotiating table and hammering out a deal. I’m always ready to do the work needed to get things done, and I would be honored to represent Somerville on Beacon Hill,” said Ewen-Campen.

“The challenges that we face right now in our state and country can feel overwhelming, but I know that we can make real progress because that’s exactly what we’ve done in Somerville. I’m running for State Representative because I believe we can build a better world - one that is more affordable and more fair. We have accomplished so much at the local level, but over and over we run into issues that can only be solved at the State House, and I’m fired up to take on that work.”

Councilor Ewen-Campen co-founded the Somerville Community Land Trust and led the passage of the Affordable Housing Overlay district that makes it easier to build affordable housing. He launched Somerville’s effort to pass a Rent Stabilization home rule petition, and recently helped lead successful efforts to protect an artists’ building and preserve it as permanently affordable studio space. He played a critical role in supporting several Community Benefits Agreements in Union Square, ensuring real wins for local workers and unions, local businesses, and affordable homes.

Ewen-Campen’s colleagues on the City Council have entrusted him with leadership roles on the Council, twice electing him as Council President, selecting him as Chair of the Land Use Committee, which tackles zoning issues. He has earned a reputation for working in deep collaboration with colleagues, neighbors, local grassroots community groups, and advocates.

In her endorsement, Ward 5 City Councilor Naima Sait said: “I’m so excited that Ben is running to be our State Rep. He has been an outstanding Councilor, driven by community values, persistence, and collaboration. His work on affordable housing, safe streets and climate justice demonstrate his dedication and ability to get things done for Somerville.”

Ewen-Campen is a scientist, and throughout his time on the City Council has worked as a research biologist at Harvard Medical School. His career is about tackling tough problems and breaking complex issues down into solvable problems. He grew up in Central Square, and lives with wife Alex and their two children, aged five and one, in Union Square.