News

June 8, 2026 | Hyde Park, MA — Today, State Senate Candidate Persis Yu announced the endorsement of half a dozen elected officials from towns across the district. These endorsements include:

• Leah Flynn-Gallant, Dedham School Committee

• Rick Michalka, Dedham School Committee

• Matthew Lane, Chair of Norwood Selectmen Board

• Ben Moser, Norwood School Committee

• Michael Sangalang, Norwood School Committee

• Erin Sibley, Westwood Select Board
  

“Across the district, voters are hungry for change. True democracy starts at home, and I am honored that so many well respected local leaders are on Team Persis,” said Persis. “These officials know the challenges that Norfolk and Suffolk families face, and I look forward to working with them to build a Massachusetts where everyone has access to strong schools, safe communities, a healthy environment, and real economic opportunity.”  

Last week, Persis called on Senator Rush to join her in a series of debates to allow voters a chance to hear directly from the candidates on where they stand on critical issues and how they plan to address growing challenges facing the district. Rush has not held a town hall meeting in the district in years, and has not faced a challenger in more than a decade.

Rush has yet to respond to Persis’s invitation. 

Background:

Persis launched her campaign for the Massachusetts State Senate seat representing Norfolk and Suffolk in October 2025. As a State Senator, Persis pledges to fight for the families in Boston, Dedham, Norwood, Walpole, and Westwood to build a fair economy where families—not billionaires—come first. 

Across her decades-long career as a social worker and attorney standing up for the most vulnerable people in Massachusetts and across the country, Persis has sued big banks, tech companies, debt collectors, airlines, and the Trump Administration on behalf of families, workers, and labor unions. Her advocacy on behalf of people with student debt led President Biden to deliver more than $200 billion in debt relief to 5 million people across the country—including nearly $3 billion dollars in debt relief to nearly 70,000 people in Massachusetts.

Persis has also received endorsements from Mass Alliance, Progressive West Roxbury/Roslindale, JP Progressives, and the New England Chinese American Alliance. 

Further reading:

• Senator Mike Rush stonewalls challenger Persis Yu’s invitation to a debate

• Legislators’ opposition is light. Here’s a look at three Senate races

• WRBPA welcomes Persis Yu

• State Sen. Mike Rush Faces First Challenger in Years for Norfolk-Suffolk Race

• Hyde Park candidate challenging Sen. Mike Rush

• Persis Yu Launches Campaign