Rick Jakious of Swampscott, longtime chief of staff to U.S. Rep. Seth Moulton, has announced a run for Moulton’s seat representing the Massachusetts 6th District. Moulton announced earlier this month that he is running for U.S. Senate.
Jakious’ wife, Rachel Smullin, is a teacher at the Veterans School in Marblehead.
Jakious said he will kick off his campaign with a “39 in 30” barnstorming tour, visiting all 39 cities and towns in the 6th District within 30 days. He said the goal is to meet voters, listen to their priorities and share his vision for “a government that works for people.”
“We already have too many politicians in Congress who think getting things done means showing up on cable news and shaking their fists,” Jakious said. “If I’ve learned anything in the decades that I’ve lived and worked here, it’s that people want leaders who show up in their community, really listen, and then deliver results.”
Jakious’ path to public service didn’t begin in politics. While parking cars part-time to help pay for college, he heard a radio ad about national service and dropped out of school to join City Year, an education nonprofit. He said that decision sparked a lifelong passion for public service. (He later completed his degree at the University of Massachusetts Amherst.)
Jakious also served as CEO of the Massachusetts Nonprofit Network, where he helped create an affordable retirement savings plan for nonprofit workers — the first program of its kind in the nation.
In 2014, then-Gov. Deval Patrick appointed Jakious to the Massachusetts Health Connector board, where “he helped preserve health insurance benefits for tens of thousands of residents after it was determined that the state’s health exchange was not ready for public rollout,” according to a campaign announcement.
Jakious lives in Swampscott with Smullin and their two sons, who are in high school. He has been active in Rotary, led Cub Scout packs, judged a high school JFK Profiles in Courage essay contest, mentored students in Lynn and served on the boards of several North Shore nonprofits, including Beyond Walls, North Shore Community Action and Harborlight Homes.
At least five other candidates have announced runs for Moulton’s 6th District seat: former Biden White House aide Dan Koh of Andover, state Rep. Tram Nguyen of Andover, financial tech veteran Dan Beccia of Lynnfield, former state rep Jamie Belsito of Topsfield and software designer Beth Andres-Beck of Middleton.
Editor Leigh Blander is an experienced TV, radio and print journalist.
