Joseph Kennedy III won the first political race he’s ever entered. “Incredible,” was the word he used to describe the experience. In his victory speech, he didn’t talk about issues or promises. Instead he thanked his volunteers, staff and mentors, along with his parents and twin brother, who appeared with him on stage.
“All the other family members that are on stage with me here this evening and this is going to be a little dangerous, Teddy, Kiki, Kylie…” Kennedy said.
The list went on because the Kennedys have strength in numbers.
Afterward, Kennedy pledged to focus on the economy of the 4th district, which runs from Fall River to Brookline.
“People need to get back to work," Kennedy said. "That’s the biggest issue that you’ve seen across this district and across the commonwealth and across the country. Trying to find ways that we can help this district get people back to work. That’s got to be the number one thing.”
The Congressman-elect's mother, Sheila Rauch Kennedy, didn’t hesitate when asked about her son’s win.
“I think he’s worked really hard for it and so I’m very pleased for him. It was their campaign. I think they did a great job,” said Sheila Rauch Kennedy.
Joseph Kennedy described his entire campaign staff as “family,” including his campaign manager, Nick Clemons. Clemons says he’s not sure whether he’s headed to Washington with Joe. He commented on the more private campaign strategy Kennedy used, declining most debate offers from Bielat and doing few sit-down media interviews.
"Joe has been out and meeting with voters, hitting every community in the 4th Congressional District time and time again, house parties, going to coffee shops, going to community events and being available," Clemons said.
As a result, Kennedy raised nearly 4 million dollars. He says he wants to be part of a less divisive Washington.
"People want better life for their communities, a better life for their families. And that’s not a partisan idea that’s just what we all want as people. And so I’m trying to make sure you can find the right ways to champion that. And I think there is some real potential for bipartisanship there but it’s going to take some work and I’m looking forward to it," Kennedy said.
Kennedy took 80 percent of the vote in Brookline, which is where he lives. He also won in Newton, Brookline, Fall River, Attleboro and Taunton. But smaller towns such as Dover and Lakeville favored Bielat. The newly drawn 4th Congressional District has 325,000 new voters, so as numbers are finalized political analysts will know more about how they might vote in the future. Former Congressman Barney Frank says he’s glad he doesn’t have to campaign in the new areas, and he says the Kennedy name will help not only Joe, but also the district.
“What you have is a very able, very committed guy who in addition has that family fame which will frankly make him better for the district because he’s going to get to Washington and in addition to his own very considerable talents he’s going to have senior colleagues wanting to introduce him to constituents, he’s going to have a lot of influence and that will whittle down to the benefit of the district," Frank said.
Kennedy’s win restores his family’s longtime presence in Washington, after a two year hiatus. Prior to 2010, at least one member of the Kennedy family has served in the House, Senate, or White House.
