Nils Tracy, a research associate at the Committee on Capital Markets Regulation, and involved member of the Beacon Hill community announced his intent to run as a Democrat for the state representative seat currently being held by Rep. Marty Walz.   The 8th Suffolk District encompasses the neighborhoods of Beacon Hill, Back Bay, and parts of Cambridge.  Rep. Walz will be leaving the legislature to take on the role of CEO for Planned Parenthood of Massachusetts.
 
Tracy holds a J.D. from Suffolk University, and studied business administration at Boston College.  During school Tracy interned with the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee headed by Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-VT).  Tracy stated, “I am passionate about the causes of social justice, and bipartisanship. I will always put results that help my district over partisanship.”  Mr. Tracy’s political experience includes work on grassroots campaigns for local Democrats, as well as President Obama’s campaign.  Tracy has also worked on sustainable food policy for the Recirculating Farms Coalition. He is a member of the Beacon Hill Civic Association, and has worked on increasing safety in Boston Common.
 
In an official announcement on Saturday, Tracy stated his reason for running, “I am running, because I want to serve the downtown neighborhoods I call home.  We have unique needs and challenges.  We have to deal with rent inflation driving away small business, and the needs of the large student population co-existing with permanent residents. Then there are the critical issues of access to fresh healthy food, making our urban parks safer, and keeping public transportation affordable.  If elected, I’ll make sure these issues get heard in our legislature.”