Former MA First Lady Endorses Brookline's Mermell For Congress

BROOKLINE, MA – Former Massachusetts first lady Diane Patrick endorsed Jesse Mermell for the Fourth Congressional District, joining prominent local and state leaders including Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley and former state Rep. Frank Smizik of Brookline.

“I’ve seen up close the passion, intellect and values which drive Jesse Mermell and I know she will make a tremendous addition to our state’s delegation in Congress,” Patrick, who is senior counsel at a Boston law firm, said in a statement. “In her work as a senior adviser to Governor Patrick and her leadership his Successful Women, Successful Families initiative, as well as her many successes on the front lines, Jesse has shown the true spirit of a progressive fighter.”

The two toured on Thursday a mental health center in the Fourth District and met with staff about ways in which Congress could support with funding, awareness and in ending the ongoing stigmatization of the illness. Patrick is a leading mental health advocate who has spoken about her own struggles.

“Mrs. Patrick has been an inspiring advocate on this and so many issues, not just for the people of Massachusetts but far beyond,” said Mermell who added that Patrick's dedication to public service and community betterment has helped Massachusetts become a more open, inclusive and diverse state over the years.

In addition to leading communications for Gov. Deval Patrick’s administration, Mermell proposed, crafted and implemented the Governor’s “Successful Women, Successful Families Task Force,” including a partnership with Bentley University, the launch of a Women’s Leadership Fellowship and a corporate challenge for companies to advance women in the workplace.

Mermell said she cares about promoting awareness of mental health, reducing stigma and ensuring the proper support to ensure there is true equity in access and treatment.

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