State Rep. Russell Holmes will face a challenge in September for the 6th Suffolk District, covering parts of Dorchester, Hyde Park, Jamaica Plain, Mattapan and Roslindale. Holmes has held the seat for more than a decade, running unopposed each year since he first claimed the position in 2010.

Haris Hassan Hardaway, a Talbot Avenue resident and principal at HHH Strategic Consulting turned in papers to make the ballot at the end of the day on May 31. Hardaway did not respond to request for comment from the Reporter on Tuesday.

Holmes said he was “surprised” by Hardaway’s entry to the race. 

“I know Mr. Hardaway and I can say I’ve been to greater than 2,500 community meetings in the last 12 years and never seen him,” Holmes told the Reporter. “I am surprised to see him run to be the voice of a community I’ve never seen him listen to. I’m looking forward to a conversation with the community for who they would like to have represent them.”

In the neighboring 5th Suffolk House district, the field is now set on the Democratic side. Christopher Worrell, assistant director of diversity, equity and inclusion at the Boston Planning & Development Agency; Danielson Tavares, the city’s chief diversity officer; and former state representative and former at-large city councillor Althea Garrison are all on the ballot. Unenrolled candidate Roy Owens also handed in nomination papers on Tuesday.

First Suffolk State Sen. Nick Collins, Rep. Dan Hunt in the 13th Suffolk District and Rep. Brandy Fluker Oakley in the 12th Suffolk District will have no opposition in their re-election bids.

A busy race is underway in the Second Suffolk District – state Rep. Nika Elugardo, state Rep. Liz Miranda, former state Sen. Dianne Wilkerson; and Rev. Miniard Culpepper have all filed nomination papers.

Donnie Palmer, who ran unsuccessfully for City Council last year, submitted 156 more signatures than needed to make the Republican ballot in the 7th Congressional District,held by Rep. Ayanna Pressley.

Hamilton Rodrigues, endorsed by MassGOP chair Jim Lyons, and Robert Burke are running for the Republican nomination for the 8th Congressional seat held by Rep. Stephen Lynch.

Candidates seeking federal seats have another week to submit nomination papers, while state district ballots are now fully set. For those with eyes on the statewide races for governor, lieutenant governor, secretary, attorney general, treasurer, and auditor, forthcoming May fundraising numbers carry particular significance as Democrats prepare for the party convention this weekend in Worcester.