The two candidates in the Democratic primary in the Suffolk and Middlesex district came together for a virtual debate Thursday afternoon.
Incumbent Will Brownsberger of Belmont has held the seat since 2012, while his challenger, Daniel Lander, worked under Boston’s Mayor Michelle Wu who has publicly endorsed him for the seat, while criticizing Brownsberger for opposing a tax law she proposed.
Hosted by the Charles River Chamber of Commerce, the discussion was focused on Watertown, with more general questions for the remaining district that includes Boston, Cambridge, and Belmont.
Lander’s main argument is what he calls an inefficient legislature in need of reform. Brownsberger is a high-ranking member of the Senate serving as Senate President Pro Tempore, the second highest seat in the chamber.
“Sen. Brownsberger with all due respect, you are the Senate pro tem, you are one of the most powerful people up there. If you cannot push legislation ... then what can you push up there?” said Lander.
Lander cited the PROTECT Act that was signed into law earlier this month, arguing it took far too long. Brownsberger contends that he fought for the bill, which protects immigrants from being deported, from the day Rumeysa Ozturk was taken off the street by federal immigration officials in March 2025.
“I agree there is some stuff I would have liked to see happen sooner, but as I said, I’m not the only guy up there,” said Brownsberger.
Lander pushed further on the efficiency of the Massachusetts Legislature, saying it has been shown to be one of the least-efficient state legislatures in the country.
“I think we need leaders that aren’t going to tell everyone why things are too complicated, why they’re too hard, and why we need 100% consensus from everything,” said Lander. “Leaders like me, who want to solve our problems with urgency.”
Brownsberger said his track record showed he made sure that issues that matter to his district are included in those 11th hour decisions the legislature is up against.
“My track record has been a force for good in every session. I have done something big in every session that I have served. Looking backwards most recently to 2024, the affordable housing package, I dragged that across the finish line,” said Brownsberger. “On that same night that so many other bills went to die.”
The two candidates agreed on many big-picture issues, including the need for improved zoning for housing projects. Both said they support ballot Question 7, which would require cities and towns to allow single-family homes on residential lots of at least 5,000 square feet, and allowing for duplexes.
Where they differ considerably is on rent control. Brownsberger calls it “a disaster” and says we can’t subsidize our way out of a housing crisis, that encouraging developers to build in Boston is the best way forward.
Lander says he supports rent control, and argues that the Senate’s inaction has prompted the need for subsidies.
