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NORTH SHORE — It’s a crowded field, so the seven candidates will need some sharp elbows. And a large pot of money would not go astray, either, as they jockey for position in the Democratic primary race.
Congressman Seth Moulton has given up his House seat to challenge U.S. Sen. Ed Markey, and seven hopefuls have jumped into the primary race to take Moulton’s empty seat.
Their challenge is now to break through to voters — and campaign funds will surely help in that effort. The amounts raised so far vary wildly.
Dan Koh, who was deputy assistant to President Joe Biden and deputy director of the White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs, raised just over $2 million. Almost $66,600 of that money, however, was a loan he issued to his own campaign.
John Beccia, a lawyer who “provides a wide range of regulatory and compliance solutions for financial services, fintech, and cryptocurrency firms,” raised just over $1.135 million.
However, contributions amounted to $336,436.00, while the other $798,734.51 was marked as loans from the candidate himself.
Rick Jakious, a longtime aide to Moulton, raised just under $300,000.
Next in line is Rep. Tram Nguyen, who raised just over $257,000. A state representative, her district includes part of Boxford. “Beacon Hill came out big” for her campaign, she said, and a number of legislators are among her donors.
The only one to announce their candidacy before Moulton announced he was stepping aside, software engineer Beth Andres-Beck raised just over $136,000.
A former state representative for the (then) House district from Georgetown to Manchester, Jamie Belsito of Topsfield brought in just over $77,000. That includes a loan from herself worth $25,000. She also founded a nonprofit to highlight maternal mental health issues.
Belsito has promised not to take any PAC money and challenged her opponents to do the same.
A veterinarian and former State Department official, Mariah Lancaster did not announce their candidacy until after the New Year so the numbers in their column are all zero.
Whoever wins the primary will take on Republican John Field in the November 3 general election. Campaign filings show Field raised $100 — all contributed by himself.
