David Plouffe backs nephew in crucial swing seat race

The upcoming race for a crucial swing legislative seat in Massachusetts has garnered significant attention, particularly from David Plouffe, a former adviser to President Obama. His nephew, Dylan Fernandes, is running for the Democratic nomination and is currently unopposed in the primary. Plouffe has actively supported Fernandes by campaigning alongside him and hosting fundraising events, including one in Woods Hole earlier this month. The race is expected to be highly competitive, with Republicans eager to flip the seat, which they have not been able to do for four years. Fernandes has the backing of prominent Democratic figures, such as Governor Maura Healey and former state Senate President Therese Murray, who have also participated in fundraising efforts for his campaign. Despite the strong Democratic presence in Massachusetts, with the party controlling all nine House seats and both Senate seats, Republicans are determined to challenge this dominance, particularly in the state Senate. Two Republicans, Mathew Muratore and Kari MacRae, are vying for their party's nomination to face Fernandes in the general election. The state primary is set for Tuesday, and the outcome will determine who will challenge Fernandes in November. Republicans are looking to build on their recent success in flipping a vacant Democratic seat in the state Senate, which adds to the stakes of this race. The Cook Political Report has classified the seat as Solid Democrat, indicating a favorable environment for Fernandes. However, the competitive nature of the upcoming election suggests that Republicans will put forth a strong effort to reclaim the seat, making it a focal point in the 2024 electoral cycle.