Local Rep Announces State Senate Campaign

Christine Barber aims to succeed longtime Senator Pat Jehlen in Middlesex district.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Christine Barber, a State Representative for the 34th Middlesex District, has announced her campaign for the State Senate seat in the second Middlesex District. Barber is seeking to succeed longtime incumbent Senator Pat Jehlen, who is not running for reelection. Barber has served in the Massachusetts House of Representatives since 2014 and has a background in healthcare policy.

Why it matters

This race will determine the next State Senator for the second Middlesex District, which includes portions of Somerville, Medford, Cambridge, and Winchester. Barber's campaign promises to build on Senator Jehlen's progressive legacy and deliver results for the communities in the district.

The details

Barber has served in the Massachusetts House of Representatives since 2014, representing the 34th Middlesex District. Prior to that, she worked as a senior policy analyst for the healthcare nonprofit Community Catalyst. Barber has been involved in legislation to reduce prices for healthcare services and equipment, secure funding for local infrastructure projects, and pass the Work and Family Mobility Act. She currently serves in various leadership roles, including as Co-Chair of the Women's Caucus Task Force on Justice-Involved Women.

  • Barber announced her campaign for the State Senate seat on February 11, 2026.
  • The state primary election is scheduled for Tuesday, September 1, 2026.

The players

Christine Barber

A State Representative for the 34th Middlesex District, who is running for the State Senate seat in the second Middlesex District.

Pat Jehlen

The incumbent State Senator for the second Middlesex District, who is not running for reelection.

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What they’re saying

“'Senator Pat Jehlen leaves a historic legacy for our communities, and I am running to build on it with progressive leadership that delivers real results,'”

— Christine Barber, State Representative (Patch.com)

What’s next

The state primary election is scheduled for Tuesday, September 1, 2026, where voters in the second Middlesex District will choose the Democratic nominee for the State Senate seat.

The takeaway

This race will be an important one for the future political leadership in the second Middlesex District, as Barber aims to succeed the long-serving Senator Jehlen and continue the district's tradition of progressive representation in the State Senate.