Marcela García’s July 28 Opinion column framing Tram Nguyen as the primary female contender in the race to succeed Seth Moulton in the Sixth Congressional District missed the mark (“Tram Nguyen is being outspent. Don’t count her out”). It ignores the rest of the field, including former state Representative Jamie Belsito, as well as two other candidates. Nguyen is not the only woman running, nor is she the only candidate with state legislative experience. Belsito’s campaign is robust and a serious challenge to those García designates as front-runners.
While Nguyen’s background as an immigrant is compelling, lived experience alone does not substitute for a proven track record. Being a female candidate does not automatically grant someone the mantle of advocate for women. That title is earned through years of action.
Belsito has spent her career showing up for women, mothers, and families. In a field where big money dominates, Belsito stands out as the candidate who is neither taking money from political action committees nor relying on personal access to wealth to buy a seat.
Voters in our district deserve coverage that weighs records, ethics, and independence, not just selective headlines.
Tirzah Mason
Beverly
The writer is a volunteer with the Belsito campaign.