Eric Lesser

Eric Lesser
Member of the Massachusetts Senate
from the 1st Hampden and Hampshire district
In office
January 7, 2015 – January 4, 2023
Preceded byGale D. Candaras
Succeeded byJacob Oliveira
Personal details
BornEric Philip Lesser
(1985-02-27) February 27, 1985
Longmeadow, Massachusetts, U.S.
PartyDemocratic
Spouse
Alison Silber
​
(m. 2011)​
EducationHarvard University (BA, JD)

Eric Philip Lesser (born February 27, 1985) is an American lawyer and politician who was a member of the Massachusetts Senate from 2015 to 2023. Before representing his hometown of Longmeadow, Massachusetts, and neighboring communities in the Greater-Springfield area, he worked as a White House aide during the Obama administration. Lesser is one of the originators of the White House Passover Seder. In the 2022 Massachusetts race for Lieutenant Governor, Lesser lost the Democratic primary to Kim Driscoll.

While in the State Senate, Lesser advocated for a high-speed rail connection between eastern and western Massachusetts. He proposed and passed the Student Loan Borrower Bill of Rights as well as provisions for job training, tourism and the arts, substance abuse treatment, and environmental issues, among others.

Early life and education

Lesser grew up in Longmeadow, Massachusetts, and graduated from Longmeadow High School. While in high school, Lesser worked with students, parents, and teachers to increase school funding and prevent lay offs.[1] He also worked for Congressman Richard Neal and Senator Ted Kennedy.[2] Lesser was an active member of Sinai Temple, coordinating volunteer activities for high school students, and an active volunteer with the Longmeadow Democratic Town Committee.[3]

Lesser's father, Martin, is a family doctor in Holyoke, Massachusetts. His father is a member of the Massachusetts National Guard and in 2010, served a tour of duty in Iraq.[4] Lesser's mother, Joan, is a social worker in Holyoke.[5][6]

After high school, Lesser received his bachelor's degree in government from Harvard College.[7] While in college, Lesser worked on Deval Patrick's gubernatorial campaign. He led the Harvard College Democrats[8] and a policy group on Congressional Redistricting Reform. At Harvard University's Institute of Politics, he started a public policy research program.[9]

Lesser returned to Harvard after his work on Barack Obama's 2008 presidential campaign and in the Obama White House. He received his J.D. from Harvard Law School, where Business Insider named Lesser one of the "most impressive Harvard Law students."[10]

2008 campaign & the White House

Obama presidential campaign

Main article: Barack Obama 2008 presidential campaign

After college, Lesser joined Barack Obama's 2008 presidential campaign, helping stage events in New Hampshire.[7] Following Obama's near victory in the New Hampshire Democratic primary,[11] Lesser was tapped to be the campaign's "Ground Logistics Coordinator." In that position, he traveled with then-Senator Obama to 47 states and six countries—over 200,000 miles in total.[12][13] Lesser created a luggage-management system that earned him the trust of the campaign team, the traveling press, and his future boss, Obama advisor David Axelrod.[14] Reflecting on Lesser's logistical prowess, President Obama said, "Eric Lesser may be running a Fortune 500 company one day," adding "we are lucky to have such a smart and committed young man as part of our team."[2]

During a campaign stop in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, Lesser organized an impromptu Passover Seder. When Obama arrived, he promised: "Next year in the White House."[3][15]

White House aide

Main article: Presidency of Barack Obama

When the campaign ended, the Senior Advisor to President Obama, David Axelrod, tapped Lesser to serve as his Special Assistant. For two years, Lesser shared a wall with the Oval Office.[7][14][16] The Washington Post described Lesser as a "wunderkind," and the New York Times called him a "West Wing mascot."[17][18] In 2011, Lesser became the Director of Strategic Planning at the Council of Economic Advisers. In the White House unit charged with offering the President objective economic advice, Lesser coordinated the communications strategy behind the economic recovery and historic job creation of the Obama administration.[19][20]

White House Seder

Main article: White House Passover Seder

Lesser was a chief organizer of the first presidential Seder in American history.[21][22] The annual White House Passover Seder was attended by President Barack Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama, and their daughters.[23][24][25] The Seder is a reunion of the original group who met in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania during the 2008 campaign.[26][27]

Massachusetts State Senate

Elections

On February 3, 2014, The Republican newspaper reported that Lesser was considering a bid for the First Hampden & Hampshire seat in the Massachusetts State Senate that was recently vacated by Sen. Gale Candaras.[28] On February 18, 2014, Lesser announced his candidacy for Massachusetts State Senate.[29] On September 9, Lesser won the five-way Democratic primary.[30] On November 4, Lesser defeated Republican Debra Boronski and America First candidate Mike Franco to win the State Senate seat.[31]

Lesser launched his reelection bid in September 2016 after an uncontested Democratic primary.[33] On November 8, 2016, Lesser defeated James "Chip" Harrington, earning 56 percent of the vote to Harrington's 44 percent.[34] During the campaign, Lesser attracted a series of high-profile endorsements, including both U.S. Senators from Massachusetts, Elizabeth Warren and Ed Markey; U.S. Representatives Richard Neal, Joe Kennedy III, and Seth Moulton; former Massachusetts Governor Michael Dukakis; and Springfield, Massachusetts mayor Domenic Sarno.[35][36][33] Notably, Lesser earned the endorsement of his former boss, President Barack Obama, who only endorsed 161 candidates nationwide that year.[37] That year, Obama endorsed no other candidate in Massachusetts. Lesser was sworn in for a second term in the Massachusetts State Senate on January 4, 2017.[38]

Lesser won his third and fourth elections to the Massachusetts State Senate in 2018 and 2020, running uncontested each time in the Democratic primary and general election.[39]

2022 lieutenant gubernatorial election

Main article: 2022 Massachusetts gubernatorial election § Lieutenant governor

In January 2022, Lesser announced his campaign for lieutenant governor of Massachusetts.[40] If elected, he would be the first Jewish person and the first millennial to be lieutenant governor or governor in Massachusetts. He would also be the first Democrat from western Massachusetts to serve in the role since 1853.[41]

Outside of the State House

Lesser holds a number of national recognitions, including a Rodel Fellowship in Public Leadership at the Aspen Institute. He is the co-chair of the Future of Work Initiative at NewDEAL, a national network of pro-growth, progressive state and local elected officials. He also sits on the advisory board of the Student Borrower Protection Center, an advocacy group for student loan borrowers. Lesser is a term member of the Council on Foreign Relations.[42]

Lesser has taught workshops on campaigns, elections, and public policy at Harvard's Kennedy School of Government and a class on millennial leadership in local and state politics at the University of Massachusetts Amherst.[42]

Lesser worked as a script consultant with HBO on the television show Veep for seven seasons.[43][44]

Personal life

Lesser married attorney Alison Silber on December 31, 2011.[6][45][46] The couple has three children.

Electoral history

In 2018 and 2020, Lesser did not face any opponents in the 1st Hampden and Hampshire Democratic Primary and General Election.

Massachusetts Lieutenant Governor Democratic Primary, 2022 [47]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Kimberley Driscoll 332,712 46.6
Democratic Eric P. Lesser 233,241 32.7
Democratic Tami Gouveia 147,224 20.6
Write-in 1,094 0.2
Total votes 714,271 100.0
Massachusetts 1st Hampden and Hampshire General Election, 2016 [48]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Eric Philip Lesser 44,602 55.8
Republican James Chip Harrington 35,188 44.0
Write-in 100 0.1
Total votes 79,890 100.0
Massachusetts 1st Hampden and Hampshire General Election, 2014 [49]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Eric Philip Lesser 28,153 50.4
Republican Debra A. Boronski 24,964 44.7
Independent Politician Mike Franco 2,705 4.8
Write-in 85 0.2
Total votes 23,360 100.0
Massachusetts 1st Hampden and Hampshire Democratic Primary, 2014
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Eric Philip Lesser 5,374 32.3
Democratic Timothy C. Allen 5,182 31.2
Democratic James Chip Harrington 4,189 25.2
Democratic Aaron L. Saunders 1,406 8.5
Democratic Thomas A. Lachiusa 430 2.6
Write-in 32 0.2
Total votes 16,616 100.00

See also

References

  1. ^ Szafranski, Matt (August 25, 2014). "From Seeds Sown in Override Battle, a Lesser Outlook Was Born…". Western Mass Politics & Insight.
  2. ^ a b Flynn, Jack (January 14, 2009). "Longmeadow High School graduate Eric Lesser readies to join Barack Obama's White House team". The Republican. Retrieved February 12, 2014.
  3. ^ a b Schoenberg, Shira (March 25, 2013). "Longmeadow native Eric Lesser celebrates Passover seders with President Obama". The Republican. Retrieved February 12, 2014.
  4. ^ DeForge, Jeanette (October 13, 2010). "Longmeadow doctor Martin Lesser, 58, to leave for Iraq with Army National Guard". The Republican. Retrieved February 12, 2014.
  5. ^ "Dr. Joan G. Lesser, PHD". Health Grades. Retrieved February 12, 2014.
  6. ^ a b "Alison Silber, Eric Lesser". The New York Times. January 2012. Retrieved February 11, 2014.
  7. ^ a b c Migeed, Ryan (July 18, 2011). "Eric Lesser: Government major to White House". UNlisted. Retrieved February 12, 2014.
  8. ^ "Eric Lesser". Religious Action Center. Archived from the original on June 7, 2013. Retrieved February 12, 2014.
  9. ^ Flynn, Anne-Gerard (March 25, 2011). "White House's Eric Lesser to speak April 3 at Sinai Temple". The Republican. Retrieved February 12, 2014.
  10. ^ Stanger, Melissa (October 10, 2013). "18 Incredibly Impressive Students At Harvard Law School". Business Insider. Retrieved February 12, 2014.
  11. ^ "Clearing it up: Who was the first woman to win?". Daily Kos.
  12. ^ Kiely, Kathy (October 20, 2008). "Dedicated team racks up hours, miles". USA Today. Retrieved February 12, 2014.
  13. ^ Malcolm, Andrew (November 4, 2008). "A Ticket campaign diary: A day on the trail with Barack Obama". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved February 12, 2014.
  14. ^ a b Parker, Ashley (June 12, 2009). "And Now, Starring in the West Wing: Ax & Lesser". The New York Times. Retrieved February 12, 2014.
  15. ^ Franke-Ruta, Garance (April 10, 2009). "A Low-Key, High Profile Seder". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on February 22, 2014. Retrieved February 12, 2014.
  16. ^ Dowd, Maureen (January 29, 2011). "No Axe to Grind". The New York Times. Retrieved February 12, 2014.
  17. ^ Cillizza, Chris (February 9, 2011). "Eric Lesser moves on". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on June 8, 2012. Retrieved February 12, 2014.
  18. ^ Parker, Ashley (April 29, 2010). "All the Obama 20-Somethings". The New York Times. Retrieved February 12, 2014.
  19. ^ "Cries & Whispers: Josh Simpson, Eric Lesser, Jose Tosado, Denise Hurst, Richard Cohen, Sister Joyce Wise, Chris Breen and more". The Republican. February 15, 2011. Retrieved February 12, 2014.
  20. ^ Reeve, Elspeth (June 17, 2011). "Meet the Media's Favorite Departing White House Aide". The Wire. Archived from the original on February 23, 2014. Retrieved February 12, 2014.
  21. ^ Gibbs, Robert (April 9, 2009). "PRESS BRIEFING BY PRESS SECRETARY ROBERT GIBBS". whitehouse.gov. Retrieved February 12, 2014 – via National Archives.
  22. ^ Zeleny, Jeff (April 9, 2009). "Obama Hosts Seder Dinner at White House". The New York Times. Retrieved February 12, 2014.
  23. ^ "Seder at the White House". The Republican. April 26, 2009. Retrieved February 12, 2014.
  24. ^ Ferst, Devra (March 21, 2013). "How Is the White House Seder Different From All Others?". The Jewish Daily Forward. Retrieved February 12, 2014.
  25. ^ Lesser, Joan (March 21, 2013). "Lesser Family Carrot Souffle". The Jewish Daily Forward. Retrieved February 12, 2014.
  26. ^ Kantor, Jodi (March 27, 2010). "Next Year in the White House: A Seder Tradition". The New York Times. Retrieved February 12, 2014.
  27. ^ Eilperin, Juliet (March 24, 2013). "Obama takes a Passover tradition kindled on the 2008 campaign trail to heart". The Washington Post. Retrieved February 12, 2014.
  28. ^ Schoenberg, Shira (February 3, 2014). "Eric Lesser, former White House staffer from Longmeadow, considering state Senate run". The Republican. Retrieved February 17, 2014.
  29. ^ Schoenberg, Shira (February 18, 2014). "Eric Lesser, former White House aide, to run for Massachusetts State Senate from Longmeadow". The Republican. Retrieved February 18, 2014.
  30. ^ Goonan, Peter (September 10, 2014). "Eric Lesser edges Tim Allen in 1st Hampden-Hampshire District state Senate Democratic primary". The Republican. Retrieved September 10, 2014.
  31. ^ Goonan, Peter (November 9, 2014). "Eric Lesser claims victory over Debra Boronski in 1st Hampden-Hampshire Senate District". The Republican. Retrieved November 5, 2014.
  32. ^ Goudreau, Chris (October 27, 2016). "Warren visits East Longmeadow to stump for Lesser". Reminder Publications. Retrieved December 17, 2021.
  33. ^ a b "State Sen. Eric Lesser launches re-election campaign, pledges to advocate for Western Mass". masslive.com. Retrieved January 13, 2017.
  34. ^ "2016 Massachusetts General Election results for president, ballot questions, senate, sheriff and more". masslive.com. Retrieved January 13, 2017.
  35. ^ Fay, Anthony (November 9, 2016). "Senator Eric Lesser claiming victory in re-election bid for 1st Hampden and Hampshire seat". WWLP.com. Retrieved January 13, 2017.
  36. ^ "Elizabeth Warren, Seth Moulton campaign for State Sen. Eric Lesser". masslive.com. Retrieved January 13, 2017.
  37. ^ "Eric Lesser". Ballotpedia. Retrieved December 16, 2021.
  38. ^ "Longmeadow's Eric Lesser sworn in for second state Senate term". masslive.com. Retrieved January 13, 2017.
  39. ^ "Massachusetts State Senate elections, 2018". Ballotpedia. Retrieved June 12, 2019.
  40. ^ Kuznitz, Alison (January 4, 2022). "Massachusetts state Sen. Eric Lesser is running for lieutenant governor". MassLive. Advance Local Media. Retrieved August 9, 2022.
  41. ^ Deutch, Gabby (January 24, 2022). "The 'Seder Guy' attempting a leap to the LG's office". Jewish Insider. Retrieved August 9, 2022.
  42. ^ a b "About Senator Lesser". Office of State Senator Eric Lesser. Retrieved June 12, 2019.
  43. ^ Cogan, Marin (June 28, 2013). "Hollywood Squares". Washington City Paper. Retrieved February 12, 2014.
  44. ^ "Eric Lesser". IMDb. Retrieved February 12, 2014.
  45. ^ "Alison Silber and Eric Lesser". The Republican. January 1, 2012. Retrieved February 12, 2014.
  46. ^ Tracy, Marc (January 3, 2012). "All the Obama Weddings". The Scroll. Tablet. Retrieved February 12, 2014.
  47. ^ "PD43+ » 2022 Lieutenant Governor Democratic Primary".
  48. ^ "PD43+ » 2014 State Senate General Election 1st Hampden and Hampshire District".
  49. ^ "PD43+ » 2014 State Senate General Election 1st Hampden and Hampshire District".
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