Former Biden Aide Dan Koh Wins Massachusetts Primary

A former aide in the Biden administration has emerged victorious in Massachusetts’ crowded primary race. Dan Koh won the contest to replace Rep. Seth Moulton in the House of Representatives this November.

Koh led the field of six candidates looking to fill the seat left by Moulton, who concluded his House term following an unsuccessful Senate bid against Sen. Ed Markey. Koh, who enjoyed backing from former President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, joined the administration initially as chief of staff for then-Labor Secretary Marty Walsh. He later served as deputy assistant to the president and deputy director of the White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs.

This recent primary win is not Koh’s first attempt at Congress. In 2018, Koh narrowly lost the Democratic nomination in Massachusetts’ 3rd Congressional District to Rep. Lori Trahan. Koh’s campaign platform includes dismantling ICE and advocating for universal healthcare, aligning with progressive goals.

He is set to succeed Moulton in the 6th Congressional District, an area known for its Democratic lean. This district covers the northeastern part of Massachusetts.

Moulton, known for his military service, has represented the district since 2015. His Senate campaign against Markey reflected a challenge based on generational change, questioning Markey’s record on making strides for Massachusetts residents. Despite these efforts, Moulton’s campaign was not enough to secure a win.

Markey, a long-standing figure in office since 2013, received endorsements from high-profile progressives like Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Sen. Bernie Sanders. In contrast, Koh is seen as an establishment figure, with family ties to federal government roles, including his father Howard Koh who served in the Department of Health and Human Services in the Obama administration.

Koh will face Republican candidate Micah Jones, a military veteran, who is unopposed in his primary race.