SALEM — Mayor Kimberley Driscoll, a Democrat, announced her candidacy for lieutenant governor of Massachusetts in a video that was shared online early Tuesday afternoon.
“At this moment of change, so much is at stake,” said Driscoll. “We need leaders who understand and can empower communities.”
In her announcement video, Driscoll touted her leadership and how she has tackled different areas of policy in Salem during her tenure as mayor. Driscoll was elected for a fifth term in November.
“Mayors like me have been on the front lines of our most urgent fights — from COVID-19 response and recovery (to) racial equity, the climate crisis, strengthening our public schools and making housing more affordable,” she said.
Gov. Charlie Baker and Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito announced in a joint statement last month that they would not be seeking reelection.
Driscoll, who was first elected as mayor of Salem in 2005, had been widely rumored to enter the race for lieutenant governor — rumors that she confirmed with her announcement on Tuesday. She now enters a democratic primary race that already includes a crowded field of candidates, including state Senators Eric Lesser of Longmeadow and Adam Hinds of Pittsfield, state Rep. Dr. Tami Gouveia of Acton, and businessman Bret Bero.
Driscoll said she decided to enter the race because she believes the commonwealth is facing a pivotal moment, and someone with leadership on a municipal level needs to step up to the challenge.
“We are going to need people with municipal leadership that can help at the state level,” said Driscoll. “We are part of what I like to call the get-stuff-done wing of government.”
Driscoll will center her campaign around issues such as transitioning to renewable energy, providing affordable housing, and helping people return to in-person work. Driscoll said she presents a different perspective from others running for lieutenant governor, pointing to her work as mayor, which has tasked her with managing a city for the past 16 years.
“This is an opportunity for someone with managerial skills to be in the position of lieutenant governor,” said Driscoll. “We’ve had a positive response so far.”
No Republicans have announced their intention to run for lieutenant governor, but one candidate from the party, former state Rep. Geoff Diehl, announced his gubernatorial bid last July. Diehl represented the 7th Plymouth District from 2011-19 and served as former President Donald Trump’s Massachusetts campaign co-chair during the 2016 Republican Party presidential primaries.
Two Democrats, state Sen. Sonia Chang-Diaz of Boston and Harvard University Professor Danielle Allen, have officially announced their bids for governor. There is also speculation that Attorney General Maura Healey and Secretary of Labor Martin J. Walsh, the former mayor of Boston, will enter the primary.
Driscoll said she talked to Allen and Chang-Diaz before announcing her campaign. She also said she has a good relationship with the two other potential gubernatorial candidates from her party, Healey and Walsh.
She said her candidacy does not impact the gubernatorial race, but noted the potential historic ramifications of her candidacy: Massachusetts could elect two female candidates for governor and lieutenant governor for the first time in its 234-year history, she said.
“I feel like I have a good relationship with those in and out of the governor’s race,” said Driscoll. “Electing two women would be historic.”
If elected, Driscoll said she would step down as Salem’s mayor. The City Council would select one of its members to become acting mayor and set a date for a special mayoral election. While Driscoll plans to hit the campaign trail soon, she said she will remain committed to upholding the duties of her current position.
“I’m still working,” said Driscoll. “Sometimes I’ll be in North Salem; other times I’ll be in Worcester.”
Twenty-one state and local leaders endorsed Driscoll for lieutenant governor in the campaign video she shared on Tuesday. Her North Shore endorsements include Revere Mayor Brian M. Arrigo, state Sen. Joan Lovely (D-Salem), state Reps Sally Kerans (D-Danvers) and Paul Tucker (D-Salem), Salem School Committee Vice Chair Manny Cruz, Former Newburyport Mayor Donna Holaday, and former Salem City Councilor Christine Madore.
Tucker, who served as the police chief under the Driscoll administration and has announced a bid to run for Essex County district attorney, said the mayor’s entrance into the race changes the dynamic of the primary. He cited her experience in municipal matters and ability to address a wide range of issues.
“I think it changes the race,” said Tucker. “She is the first candidate with significant municipal experience. You talk about budgets, social issues, climate and COVID-19 — she was able to take this (on) in a truly amazing way.”
State Rep. Thomas Walsh (D-Peabody) applauded Driscoll for entering the race, but stopped short of giving his endorsement.
“I think she’s going to be an incredibly strong candidate,” said Walsh. “She has moved Salem forward and has been active in leadership.”