Bay State Stonewall Democrats

The Bay State Stonewall Democrats (BSSD), the Massachusetts affiliate of the National Stonewall Democrats, endorsed Samuel for his “past and continued support of issues important to the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered, and queer (LGBTQ+) community.” Founded in 1988, BSSD advocates within the Massachusetts Democratic Party on behalf of the LGBTQ+ community. BSSD Co-Chairs Holly Ryan and Steve Iannaccone commended Samuel’s commitment to economic and social justice, saying that they “are proud to stand with a candidate who has an inclusive agenda for all in Cambridge.” Samuel’s LGBTQ+ priorities include adopting an inclusive bathroom ordinance, housing protection for the elderly and homeless youth, ongoing bias and sensitivity trainings for elected officials and city staff, including public safety and human service providers, hiring a full time executive director for the City of Cambridge LGBTQ+ Commission, and working with the School Committee to ensure that the public schools are safe and inclusive spaces for all students and teachers.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology Student Democrats

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Student Democrats endorsed Samuel on October 25 and released the following statement:

“Sam has one of the strongest pro-housing platforms of any of the candidates, advocating for transit-oriented development to help relieve our region’s scarcity of housing supply. Sam understands that Cambridge thrives when it embraces not just long-term residents and homeowners, but also newcomers to the city and renters. Unlike many candidates for City Council, Sam and his family are renters. Sam has founded his own consulting practice and led advocacy campaigns in both Cambridge and Ethiopia, demonstrating a deep understanding of policy and city government and a record of leadership.”

Young Democrats of Massachusetts

The Young Democrats of Massachusetts (YDMA), the state chapter of the Young Democrats of America, announced its endorsement of Samuel on October 19 and released the following statement:

“Through years of public service and leadership, Sam has shown his strong commitment to Cambridge and the people within it. He has put forth an agenda that shows he is serious about his promise to make the city a more inclusive place. Sam also played an integral role in building the YDMA Black Caucus, getting the organization off the ground and putting together a slate of events. In his hands, the Black Caucus went from idea on the drawing board, to one of the most active and engaged groups within the YDMA, in a matter of months. It was in this role, as Chair of the Black Caucus, that the board of the YDMA was able to get a first-hand look at Sam’s ability to take on a difficult task, and thrive. We know the type of hard working, motivated leader that Sam is, and that is why we are endorsing his candidacy.”

A Better Cambridge

A Better Cambridge (ABC) endorsed Samuel on October 2 as one of six candidates it hailed as “bold, progressive community leaders who understand that increasing housing for all is crucial to racial justice, environmental sustainability, and quality of life.” This marks the first time that ABC, a leading housing advocacy group, has endorsed in City Council elections. Jesse Kanson-Benanav, Chair of ABC, said, “Despite being among the youngest candidates running for city council, he has an extensive record of leadership in community organizing, policy work, and advocacy,” adding that Samuel’s “commitment is to preserving and expanding housing opportunities for residents of all incomes and creating ownership units for low-income residents to build pathways to wealth and equity.”

Sierra Club Massachusetts Chapter

On August 24, the Sierra Club Massachusetts Chapter endorsed Samuel for Cambridge City Council. The Sierra Club Massachusetts Chapter is a branch of the nation's largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization and boasts more than 2.7 million members and supporters. "The Sierra Club is confident Samuel will advance the causes of environmental justice and protection, especially for resident communities that have gone unheard in decades past," said Bill Humphrey, Chair, Massachusetts Sierra Club Political Committee.

Massachusetts Nurses Association

The Massachusetts Nurses Association (MNA) officially endorsed Samuel in July, just days after the MNA supported the efforts of more than 1,200 nurses to conduct the largest nurses' strike in Massachusetts history at Tufts Medical Center. Donna Kelly-Williams, RN, President of MNA and a nurse at Cambridge Hospital said, “With the cloud of uncertainty currently surrounding the topic of health care in this country, we are lucky to have people like Samuel who are committed to standing up for nurses and patients. He will make an excellent city councillor and will be a strong advocate for his constituents.” The MNA represents more than 23,000 members and is the most powerful and effective voice on healthcare in the Commonwealth.

Treasurer Steve Grossman

Samuel was endorsed by Steve Grossman on March 15. Grossman has served as chairman of the Democratic National Committee (DNC), treasurer of Massachusetts, president of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), and is the current CEO of the Initiative for a Competitive Inner City (ICIC). Grossman praised Samuel for his commitment to bringing about change, saying that he will “be an innovative force on the Cambridge City Council, ensuring that no one is left behind in all 13 neighborhoods.”

Mayor Setti D. Warren

Two-term Mayor Setti D. Warren of Newton endorsed Samuel on January 25. Warren, the first popularly elected African American mayor in Massachusetts, made it clear that he believes Samuel is a strong fit for City Council. In his endorsement, Warren stated, “I’ve been a mayor for eight years and I know what it takes to lead a city. At just 25, Samuel’s got it.”