News

June 1, 2026 | Hyde Park, MA — With fewer than 100 days left before the September 1st Democratic primary, State Senate candidate Persis Yu called on incumbent Mike Rush to join her in a series of debates to allow voters a chance to hear the candidates speak on critical issues 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. 

In her letter, Persis writes:

“With the election fewer than 100 days away and urgent issues facing families in the Norfolk and Suffolk district, we have an obligation to educate and inform the people of our district about our positions on the issues that affect their everyday lives. I’m sure that you will agree that robust and informed engagement is critical to a vibrant and healthy democracy. 

“To that end, I am writing to invite you to participate in no fewer than 3 debates over the next few months.”

Persis calls on the Senator to agree to at least three debates, with open questions from the audience, with the first set to happen prior to the end of June.

Link to full letter: https://www.electpersis.com/debate-invitation-to-mike-rush.pdf

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.

Further Reading:

• Persis Yu Launches Campaign

• Hyde Park candidate challenging Sen. Mike Rush

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

• WRBPA welcomes Persis Yu