Sentinel & Enterprise: Markey: Higgins has tools to excel as state rep.

From Sentinel & Enterprise: 

By Peter Jasinski

LEOMINSTER -- Standing in a garage on Lexington Circle, U.S. Sen. Ed Markey described Democratic state representative candidate Natalie Higgins as the next star of the Massachusetts Legislature.

"Having Natalie as a representation of her generation, with a fantastic educational background, a fantastic family, and fantastic abilities means she's going to be a fantastic addition up at the Statehouse," Markey said.

The junior senator from Massachusetts made the trip to Leominster Friday to endorse Higgins in her race against Republican Thomas "Frank" Ardinger to represent the 4th Worcester District in the state House of Representatives.

"We're just really excited to have you out here today and to have your support," a joyful Higgins told Markey.

The two stood in the garage of Higgins' campaign headquarters flanked by supporters and other legislatures, including state Rep. Jennifer Benson of the 37th Middlesex District.

"I'm really happy we have such a strong Democratic candidate here because this is really one of the areas where we're getting encroached upon," Benson said. "Central Mass. is turning really red and it's going to take a lot of effort to keep that at bay."

Markey, who previously served as a state representative from 1973 to 1976, explained that he was supporting Higgins because of her dedication to helping make college education more affordable and accessible to students trying to maximize their potential.

He also praised her work in helping victims of domestic violence and her focus on finding ways to end the opioid epidemic.

"We're so proud of Natalie. She is a fantastic candidate focusing on the issues of our era," Markey said.

The senator also touched upon the local economy and what Higgins will do to help it.

"Leominster's unemployment rate keeps going down, which is great news, but we're not happy because we want everyone to be able to go to college and maximize all of their abilities," he said.

This is the second time in less than two weeks that Higgins has gained the support of a member of the U.S. Senate. She was joined by Sen. Elizabeth Warren during an Oct. 22 event held in Leominster.
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During that visit, Warren highlighted the significance of having a female candidate seeking election in Leominster. She said, "It is a reminder that the world, for all that is wrong in it, also has a lot of good in it."