WCAC

 

Jonathan Paz, whose last election result was a loss, now wants to run for Congress.

The former Waltham city councilor has announced intentions to seek the congressional seat currently held by Congresswoman Katherine Clark, one of the most powerful Democrats on Capitol Hill.

 

In an announcement video posted Sunday, Paz characterizes himself as a grassroots alternative with immigrant roots who can “rebuild the Democratic party.”

If he makes the ballot, he would be a Democratic primary challenger for Massachusetts’ 5th congressional district in 2026. The district includes roughly 20 communities, almost all in Middlesex County.

 

First elected in 2019 and re-elected in 2021, Paz left his Ward 9 city council seat to run for mayor in 2023 and was comfortably defeated by Jeannette McCarthy. 

 

He then worked as a public affairs spokesman for Flock Safety video surveillance before establishing Fuerza Waltham, an anti-ICE group that raises money for residents facing removal.

If Rep. Clark seeks re-election, as expected, Paz’s chances are slim against a popular multi-term incumbent who has easily vanquished challengers.

 

Clark serves as Minority Whip, the second-most powerful Democrat in the U.S. House of Representatives after Hakeem Jeffries. 

Now in her seventh term, she is known for serving the communities she represents while building strong partnerships among House Democrats.

 

She has visited Waltham frequently in recent years to announce millions in federal funding for COVID relief, health care for low-income residents and seniors, the Waltham Boys & Girls Club and watershed improvements. Earlier this year, she co-hosted a packed town hall at McDevitt Middle School that became a flashpoint for opposition to Donald Trump.

 

Currently Clark has $1.8 million in campaign cash on hand, according to federal election finance filings. 

File photos