MA Rep. James O'Day Running For Re-Election To 14th Worcester District

WORCESTER, MA — Massachusetts Rep. James O'Day (D-14th Worcester) announced on Tuesday that he will seek re-election to continue representing the 14th Worcester District on Beacon Hill.

Rep. O'Day, who represents the City of Worcester and West Boylston's Ward 1 Precinct 5, Ward 2, Ward 3 Precincts 3, 5 and 6, was initially elected to the position in 2007.

Before being elected to serve, he worked as a licensed social worker for the state for 24 years.

Rep. O'Day said that he and his wife, Marybeth, have lived in West Boylston for more than 30 years. The couple has been active members of the community, raised two children in the West Boylston Public School district and have served on several local boards and commissions.

“I was brought up to believe in hard work, service, and community,” said Rep. O’Day in a news release. “Those values continue to guide my work every day as I fight to deliver for the people of Worcester and West Boylston.”

Experience As A State Representative

Rep. O'Day authored and championed the Fair Share Amendment in 2021, according to the release. That's a voter-approved surtax that has generated an additional $6.4 billion in funding for public education, students, and transportation projects, according to the release.

Rep. O'Day said that this helped drive programs like universal free school meals, no-cost community college and fare-free WRTA.

He said he also worked with legislative partners to help secure more than $15 million in state funding for Worcester and West Boylston: investments that O'Day said supported local institutions, community organizations and neighborhood projects.

In West Boylston, O’Day said he has helped secure funding for projects, like the Beaman Memorial Library, the West Boylston Fire Station, the West Boylston Housing Authority, Pride Park, Woodland Park, Mixter Field and the West Boylston Middle and High School.

Rep. O'Day's Priority, Focus

O'Day said a large priority is to strengthen Worcester's economy and expand opportunities for residents.

He said he has done this by supporting major redevelopment efforts, including the reactory redevelopment on the former Worcester State Hospital campus, the GreenTech Park and Greendale Revitalization initiatives and the ongoing redevelopment of Great Brook Valley.

“These projects help build a stronger future for both Worcester and West Boylston,” O’Day said in the release. “I’ve worked hard to make sure our communities have a seat at the table and the resources they need by developing and maintaining strong relationships with important stakeholders."

O'Day's focus remains on strengthening support for working families and protecting key investments in housing, transportation, behavioral health services, childcare, veterans programs and support for seniors.

“My reason for running today is the same as when I first ran for this office,” O’Day said. “I want to make a difference in people’s lives. This district has trusted me to represent them, and I take that responsibility seriously every single day. I’m committed to continuing to deliver for Worcester and West Boylston.”

West Boylston Select Board member Barur Raj Rajeshkumar announced last month that he would also run for the position. A primary election will be held on Sept. 1.

See Also:

• Barur Raj Rajeshkumar To Run As MA State Representative For 14th Worcester District