United States

Rufus Gifford, Former Ambassador, Joins MA-3 Race to Succeed Niki Tsongas

Another candidate has entered the crowded Democratic field in the state's third congressional district.

Former U.S. Ambassador to Denmark Rufus Gifford announced on Monday that he will seek the seat held by Democrat Niki Tsongas, who plans to retire at the end of her current term.

"Like so many of us, I woke up on Nov. 9, 2016, fairly shocked and certainly heartbroken," Gifford told NBC Boston.

Gifford, a Concord resident, was named to the diplomatic post in 2013 after serving as a top fundraiser for then-President Barack Obama's 2012 re-election campaign.

"I think what plagues our politics right now is the inability to compromise, the inability to work for the other side," Gifford said.

The 43-year-old is the seventh Democrat to join the race with others considering a run.

Two Republicans have also announced a run for the seat.

Tsongas, the widow of former U.S. Sen. Paul Tsongas, has served in the House since 2007.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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