Somerville resident Derrick Rice (he/him) today announced his campaign for Somerville Ward 3 City Council, in anticipation of a special election(1) after current W3 Councilor Ewen-Campen’s Democratic Party primary victory for State Representative (27th Middlesex).

“In the 22 years that I’ve called Somerville home, I’ve had many occasions to be proud of my city. But I have also seen how frustratingly slow progress is, even on widely popular or urgent issues like street maintenance, vacant properties, civilian oversight of police, and sidewalk snow clearing. Good things should be happening faster,” said Derrick.

Derrick is a local community organizer and activist on a wide range of issues including street
safety, racial justice, workers’ rights, housing, and affordability. He has a track record of
collaborating with elected officials to further shared goals, and also organizing community
pressure when the city falls short. He has worked in solidarity and affiliation with a variety of
Somerville’s grassroots and non-profit organizations.

Derrick is best known for his work on public safety issues, most recently pushing the city to have
the best possible Police Body Worn Camera policies. The community effort was praised by City
Council President Davis: “We would not be here with even a reasonable question before us if
not for the work, frankly, that members of the public did. … And I’ll particularly call out Derrick
Rice.”

On why he’s running, Derrick said: “I am fiercely defensive and loving of my neighbors, and I am
not willing to wait for progress to be convenient and comfortable. We can do a lot more, particularly for those left behind and on the margins. We deserve a government that is responsive to community needs; where transparency, accountability, and public engagement thrive. I am running for City Council because I know that bringing neighbors together to fight for solutions can be truly transformative.”

Ward 2 City Councilor JT Scott shared his support for Derrick: “Making lasting change requires
brave, decisive leadership, not merely progressive politics. Derrick has the experience, conviction, and creativity necessary to help move Somerville forward. I’m excited to see him step up to the challenge.”

Derrick has a career in user data privacy and security, working for the public’s interests against corporate incentives. He has been a union organizer and non-profit board member. Derrick and his partner will soon be celebrating their son’s second birthday. You can find them biking around town to enjoy the many parks and playgrounds Somerville has to offer.

Derrick Rice
www.derrickrice.org | derrick@derrickrice.org
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Published by Rice Committee 

[1]: Councilor Ewen-Campen is anticipated to step down from City Council when he is sworn
into the State House in early January. Per Somerville’s city charter, Ward Councilor seats
vacated more than 180 days before the end of the term trigger a special election. Specific dates
are not likely to be determined until the seat is formally vacated.