Nurses union backs Essaibi George in Mayor's race

Councillor Annissa Essaibi George was shown (foreground, in pink) at a rally in support of nurses in Worcester. The MNA endorsed her candidacy for mayor today. Photo courtesy Essaibi George campaign

The Massachusetts Nurses Association (MNA) has thrown their weight behind Councillor Annissa Essaibi George’s mayoral campaign.

“MNA nurses and healthcare professionals are proud to endorse Annissa Essaibi George for Boston Mayor because she stands with us for safer patient care and more equitable public health,” said Katie Murphy, MNA President and an ICU nurse at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in a statement released today by the Essaibi George campaign.

“Just as MNA nurses and healthcare professionals have always been on the frontlines of healthcare – during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond – Annissa has long dedicated herself to improving public health by elevating and meeting the social, environmental and emotional needs of all Boston residents.”

Murphy said Essaibi George stood with the nurses in 2018 when Question 1 was on the ballot and has a thoughtful approach to public health.

“Of all the candidates, she was really the most active on the issue,” Murphy said. “Boston has some talented people running, and who knows who else may join the race.”

“Our nurses’ commitment to this city is unparalleled,” Essaibi George said in a statement. “Nurses show up. Before, during, and after a global pandemic, they show up day after day, night after night, to keep our residents safe and healthy. I’m proud to stand by their side as we continue to increase access to quality care, tackle health disparities, fight for workers’ rights, address our mental and behavioral health crisis, and ensure a safe, happy, and healthy future for every single Bostonian.”

The MNA backed Marty Walsh during his mayoral run.

“Walsh and [Essaibi George] both understand that we have a very important contribution to make not only to our institutions, but to the health and development of our city,” Murphy said.

Murphy noted that the union felt it was important to back Essabi George’s campaign now, even as more candidates could still join the race.

“It’s important to be out there early rather than wait,” she said. “We really want to put our money where our mouth is and offer our support.”

The MNA nurses are slated to join the candidate during an upcoming town hall on public health.


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