I’m fed up.
I’m fed up with the divisiveness and the inability of politicians to get along. I’m fed up with a one-party state that refuses to open its books despite a referendum supported by a huge majority of Republicans, Democrats, and Independents. I’m fed up after hearing story after story of neighbors and friends whose parents or children can’t live here anymore because it’s just too expensive.
I have a wonderful life. I have a beautiful wife, Lori, who has stood by my side for over 40 years. I have three amazing children who have overcome obstacles, accomplished great things, and made me so proud.
I live in what I believe is the most glorious part of the country — a place defined by rich history, natural beauty, and the character of its people. I live in a house with a foundation dating back to 1634, right in the center of town. I can walk to get a cup of coffee, pick up the local paper, and find the best clams and lasagna in the state. I am part of two great faith communities — St. Rose of Lima in Topsfield and Our Lady of Hope in Ipswich — where I’ve been privileged to serve as a lector.
After 38 years of working my tail off in a rewarding law practice, I’ve earned the time to read, watch movies, and act in plays. So why — why — would I ever want to enter what many describe as the cesspool of a divisive, corrosive climate in Massachusetts politics? And as a Republican, no less?
Because I just can’t stand it anymore.
We have a State House controlled by a super-majority where two or three guys make every decision. There is no transparency, zero accountability, and our six towns are paying the price.
I want to bring respect, responsiveness, and accountability back to the 2nd Essex. That is what this campaign is about.
We are overtaxed and overregulated. Our young people and our seniors are being priced out of their own neighborhoods. The working people can’t afford to live here anymore. My own adult daughter and her husband — who have amazing careers — cannot find an affordable house to buy or an apartment to rent.
In 2022, Kristen Kassner won the seat by exactly one vote. One vote, in a contested recount that made national news. And since she’s been in office, what has she done aside from voting in lockstep for every tax increase and bad regulation handed down by the boys in the back room?
I decided to run because she is a no-show representative. You call her office and you get voicemail. You email and you get no response. Across this entire district, she offers just one hour of office hours per month in each of our towns. That’s it. And half the time it isn’t even her — it’s a staff member who can’t answer your questions. We deserve better.
Personal response. Within 24 hours. 7 days a week.
My first priority is you. That’s why I pledge that if you call me or email me, I will get back to you within 24 hours if not sooner — seven days a week. It won’t be a staffer. It won’t be an autoresponder. It will be me.
Moreover, I will be in the district all the time. My office hours will be whenever you need me. And it starts now. Email me and try me out — see if I make my pledge.
dan@votedankelly.com →
My role models for State Representative.
Who would you like to see as your state representative?
Here are my two role models.
Brad Hill was our representative for 20 years. Lenny Mirra represented the towns of Georgetown and Newbury for 10 years. Everybody knew Brad and Lenny. In fact, when you ask folks in this district who their current representative is, two out of three still say Brad Hill or Lenny Mirra — depending on which town you’re in. Why?
They weren’t divisive. They worked with everyone to get money to the district and fix problems with a smile on their faces. They didn’t get in the muck. They cared. They answered every call. They responded to every email.
I’m running because I want to be like those guys — to bring respect, responsiveness, and accountability back to the 2nd Essex.
Dan’s Priorities for Our Towns
Fighting every day to keep our towns affordable, well-run, and strong for the families who live, work, and raise their children here.
Personal Response
Every call answered. Every email returned. Within 24 hours, by Dan — not a staffer, not an autoresponder. The 24/7 Pledge means real office hours, in person, in every one of our six towns.
Schools & Infrastructure
Our children deserve safe, modern classrooms — and our roads, bridges, drainage, and public facilities need real investment to keep daily life moving. Dan will fight for the state funding our towns have earned so local taxpayers aren’t left carrying the whole burden.
Lower Taxes & Less Red Tape
Families and small businesses are being squeezed by rising bills, endless paperwork, and bureaucracy that makes simple things harder than they should be. Dan will push to cut waste, streamline regulations, and help people keep more of what they earn.
Preserve Our Towns
Beacon Hill keeps pushing one-size-fits-all rules on housing, zoning, and growth that ignore what makes each of our six towns work. Dan will defend local control and the working-coast, farmland, and village character that brought you here.
Standing with Dan.
Local leaders, veterans, and longtime community voices from across the 2nd Essex — neighbors who know what our towns need and are ready to put Dan to work. Tap any card to read the full endorsement.
Join the Movement
One front porch, one driveway, one conversation at a time. Help bring real representation back to the 2nd Essex.
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We will follow up about canvasses, events, and the campaign as it builds.
