Marblehead Attorney Diann Slavit Baylis Runs for Governor's Council

Slavit Baylis, an immigration lawyer, aims to ensure every vote is counted and that judges have knowledge, integrity, and compassion.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Diann Slavit Baylis, a Marblehead resident and immigration attorney, has announced her candidacy for the Massachusetts Governor's Council in the 6th District. Slavit Baylis, who has a background in public service and civic engagement, says her legal experience and commitment to democracy motivated her to run for the council, which provides advice and consent on the governor's judicial appointments, pardons, and election certification.

Why it matters

The Governor's Council plays a critical role in ensuring the integrity of the judicial system and elections in Massachusetts. Slavit Baylis' background as an immigration lawyer and her stated priorities of making sure every vote is counted and that judges have the necessary knowledge, integrity, and compassion could have significant implications for the state's immigrant communities and the broader democratic process.

The details

Slavit Baylis, who has volunteered with the Lawyer for the Day program at Essex Probate and Family Court and has been active in civic and political efforts, says her firsthand experience representing immigrant children and families has motivated her to run for the council. She believes the council's role in reviewing judicial nominations is especially important, as key decisions affecting immigrant children, including Special Immigrant Juvenile Status, begin in state probate courts.

  • Slavit Baylis took out nomination papers this week from the Secretary of State's Office.
  • The election will follow the statewide cycle, with a primary in September and the general election in November.

The players

Diann Slavit Baylis

An immigration attorney and Marblehead resident who is running for the Massachusetts Governor's Council in the 6th District.

William 'Red' Slavit

Slavit Baylis' father, who was the former Haverhill Harbormaster, and from whom she says she comes from a tradition of public service.

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What they’re saying

“I would make sure every vote is counted. At this point, our democracy cannot suffer. People have to be on the lookout and make sure things are done the way they're supposed to be done.”

— Diann Slavit Baylis, Candidate for Massachusetts Governor's Council (marbleheadweeklynews.com)

“We need judges with knowledge, integrity, and compassion at every level of our judiciary. The Governor's Council has to make sure that these judges have knowledge, integrity, and compassion, and I will be a voice for that.”

— Diann Slavit Baylis, Candidate for Massachusetts Governor's Council (marbleheadweeklynews.com)

What’s next

The election will follow the statewide cycle, with a primary in September and the general election in November.

The takeaway

Slavit Baylis' candidacy for the Massachusetts Governor's Council highlights the importance of the council's role in ensuring the integrity of the judicial system and elections, particularly for immigrant communities. Her background as an immigration lawyer and her stated priorities of making sure every vote is counted and that judges have the necessary qualifications could have significant implications for the state's democratic processes.