Massachusetts Peace Action endorses Jonathan Paz for Congress in Congressional District 5.
Jonathan Paz is a former Waltham City Councilor, immigrant rights organizer, and son of immigrants, running for Congress in MA-05 against Katherine Clark. Clark is the House Minority Whip, making her one of the most powerful Democrats in Congress. Clark is a major recipient of AIPAC and other PAC money and is largely silent on, if not in opposition to, MAPA’s priorities.
Paz is running on a platform centered around progressive economic proposals like medicare for all, abolishing ICE, and no more endless wars. At the age of 14, Paz witnessed his father being deported, a powerful anecdote that resonates now more than ever. Paz’s background and his history organizing for immigrant rights and against ICE in Waltham make him an ideal candidate in this political moment. Clark has not avowed support for abolishing ICE, providing a wedge issue between her and Paz that will win over many democratic primary voters.
On foreign policy, Paz’s questionnaire response shows he is aligned with our politics. He supports a reduction in the military budget, nuclear disarmament, and an end to US support for Israel. He supports a full arms embargo and agrees with MAPA that Israel has committed a genocide against the Palestinian people.
Clark, who has taken hundreds of thousands of dollars from AIPAC, has consistently voted to fund weapons for Israel and denies that Israel’s actions constitute a genocide.
Paz’s previous position as a Waltham city councilor gives him legitimacy as a candidate. His work on immigrant justice in Waltham shows that he is an effective organizer who will build a credible campaign. Through this organizing, he has built a base of peace activists, immigrant justice advocates, and progressive electoral volunteers that will allow him to mount a considerable challenge to Clark.
Help us elect Jonathan Paz!
Volunteer and see a list of Campaign Events
MAPA’s committee to elect Jonathan Paz meets Wednesdays at 7:30. To get involved, contact us at 617-354-2169 or info@masspeaceaction.org.
