Somerville Democrats negotiate the first successful “People’s Pledge” in a decade to endeavor to stop dark money spending

On June 9, 2026, in Latest News, by The Somerville Times

The Somerville Democratic Party recently obtained the agreement of all 7 State House candidates running in all 3 districts which cover Somerville to take a People’s Pledge

Earlier this year, the Somerville Democratic City Committee adopted a resolution calling on all Democratic candidates running to represent Somerville to take a “People’s Pledge,” an agreement between candidates designed to prevent the unlimited dark money spending from super PACs that the Citizens United decision resulted in. Senators Warren and Markey previously used similar agreements to successfully prevent the use of super PAC spending in their respective elections. The agreements operate by all candidates publicly calling on their supporters not to make independent expenditures on their behalf—and pledging to donate to charity a penalty of half of the amount of any independent expenditure, creating a strong and meaningful disincentive against any outside spending.

These agreements empower voters, candidates, parties, unions, and traditional PACs—who follow the strict limits set by the Massachusetts Campaign Finance Law that prohibits all corporate donations, individual contributions larger than $500, and anonymous funding. They ensure that voters in Somerville, Medford, and Cambridge will decide the result of our elections—free from the interference of unlimited dark money spending from super PACs.

We want to congratulate 34th Middlesex candidates: Paul Ruseau, Chris Oates, and Will Mbah, 27th Middlesex candidates: Ben Ewen-Campen and Olivia Gilligan-Corsetti, and 26th Middlesex candidates: Neil Miller and Mike Connolly for taking this step to give voters confidence that the candidates chosen in our primaries reflect our community’s voice and are not beholden to unlimited dark money groups and donors.

The Somerville Democratic Party also attempted to negotiate the same agreement for the 2nd Middlesex Senate race, however we were only able to gain agreement from two of the five candidates; these agreements can only function where all candidates agree to prevent dark money spending in a race by unanimous participation. We are deeply grateful to Matthew McLaughlin and Christine Barber who were willing to participate, and regret that a People’s Pledge will not be in effect for this race.

In response to being notified that the pledge had come into effect upon all candidates signing it several candidates had remarks:

Ben Ewen-Campen, running for the 27th Middlesex House seat said: “I’m proud to take the people’s pledge – we don’t need dark money in our elections.”

Olivia Gilligan Corsetti, running for the 27th Middlesex House seat said “I am proud to join in signing the Somerville Democrats People’s Primary Pledge. Somerville residents deserve an election that’s about them, not external interests. Thank you to the Somerville Democratic City Committee, as well as my fellow candidate in this race, for joining me in this effort to strengthen trust in our electoral process. Together, we are helping ensure that this election remains focused on our community and its future.”

Chris Oates, running for the 34th Middlesex House seat said: “As a first-time candidate, it’s been depressing to see how much money matters, even in a local race. I’m glad that we can now focus more on connecting with voters about the issues that we care about, and not have to worry about big donors coming in without campaign approval to muddy the waters.”

Paul Ruseau, running for the 34th Middlesex House seat said: “I am thrilled that every candidate in the 34th Middlesex State Representative race has pledged to keep the race focused on this district. Our community deserves to have its voice heard, and outside money has never been about our voices. Democracy thrives on competitive races where voters can weigh their options and make an informed choice at the ballot box. I hope to earn every vote in the district, but I respect that the voters decide—and whatever they choose, this district wins when the race is fought on our issues, not outside money.”

–Somerville Democrats