Holyoke Mayor Will Attempt To Unseat Rep. Neal

The Berkshire Eagle   reports Holyoke Mayor Alex Morse, who made history when elected at 22 to lead his home city, will try to make history again by challenging a powerful committee chairman and the dean of the state's Congressional delegation, U.S Rep. Richard Neal, in the 2020 election.

Morse announced his decision to run with a Monday morning video that tells the story of his parents climbing out of poverty and his ascent into politics in western Massachusetts.

His decision to run against Neal comes one cycle after U.S. Rep. Ayanna Pressley knocked off incumbent Michael Capuano, showing that in the right district and with the right candidate even the advantages of money, clout and name recognition can be overcome.

Morse said that he would refuse to take any money from corporate political action committees to support his campaign.

Neal, 70, has served in Congress since 1988, and represents the First District spanning much of the western part of the state, including Springfield and the Berkshires. Peter Panos, a Neal spokesman, told Stephanie Murray of Politico that the congressman "will welcome anyone into this race" and said Neal has "fought tirelessly to ensure that the people of our region are not forgotten and receive our fair share."

When the Democrats regained control of the House of Representatives this year, Neal assumed the powerful chairmanship of the Ways and Means Committee, and has used his position to subpoena President Donald Trump's personal and business tax returns.