”By electing Jim Lyons as Chairman, the Massachusetts Republican Party has shown itself, once again, to be profoundly out of step with the people of Massachusetts. Lyons, who served as Massachusetts state chairman for Ted Cruz’s presidential campaign in 2016, spent his career on Beacon Hill railing against fundamental rights and protections for women, workers, and the LGBTQ community. Lyons repeatedly voted against funding for healthcare providers like Planned Parenthood, against protections for transgender individuals, and against funding for senior programs and affordable housing – all while earning a 97% rating from the NRA. Lyons’ election pushes the state Republican Party further towards the policies and rhetoric of Donald Trump, and away from the best interests of people in the Commonwealth.

Governor Charlie Baker – who endorsed Lyons in his reelection campaign – has repeatedly promised to stand up for the rights of people in Massachusetts, including those Lyons has targeted in the past. We call on the Governor to publicly and swiftly denounce Lyons’ vision for an intolerant, discriminatory party.”

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