Mark Tashjian announces candidacy for State Representative in the 2nd Essex

Tashjian, a business owner and community leader, is poised to take on State Representative Kristen Kassner following her one-vote victory in 2022

GEORGETOWN—Mark Tashjian, a small business owner and Georgetown Finance Committee Member,  today announced that he will seek the Republican nomination for State Representative in the 2nd Essex District. The district—encompassing Ipswich, Hamilton, Georgetown, Newbury, Rowley, and Topsfield Precinct 1—is currently represented by Hamilton Democrat Kristen Kassner following her one-vote, recount-decided victory. ​

“I’m excited to hit the campaign trail and meet as many voters as I possibly can between now and November 5,” Tashjian said. “Our district is used to the quality representation of Former Reps. Lenny Mirra and Brad Hill, and I will seek to be a candidate—and representative—in their mold. Over the next nine months, I intend to learn about the issues facing our community, and I hope to be a voice for leadership and action on those very issues.”

The Tashjian campaign intends to call attention to the need for leadership and advocacy on behalf of our small towns. The six communities of the 2nd Essex District deserve a partner on Beacon Hill as we seek to address an out-of-control cost of living; the rampant overdevelopment of 40B housing; a migrant crisis that has slashed local aid budgets for education and infrastructure; and a state government that lacks basic transparency. 

“The families of Ipswich, Hamilton, Georgetown, Newbury, Rowley, and Topsfield deserve better. At a time with so much turmoil and uncertainty, we rightly expect our state leaders to be outspoken on the issues that matter, and engaged with constituents on a personal level,” Tashjian said. “Unfortunately, we are not receiving that kind of leadership right now. That’s why I’m running—to show up, to listen to you, and to bring your voice to Beacon Hill.”

“Having served as the state representative for the 2nd Essex district for over a decade, I know what it takes to bring a strong voice to Beacon Hill on behalf of our communities,” added Former Rep. Lenny Mirra (R-Georgetown). “Mark will bring his incredible work ethic, experience as a job creator, and his background as an advocate for women, victims of genocide, and people struggling with mental health. He knows what it takes to win and be an effective representative, and I’m proud to be in his corner.”

The Tashjian campaign will hold a formal kickoff event on Wednesday, March 6 at True North Ale in Ipswich at 7PM.



About Mark Tashjian
Mark Tashjian is a Georgetown resident, small business owner, and a community leader. Prior to moving to Georgetown, he resided in Ipswich for 4 years. Mark serves as a member of the Georgetown Finance Committee, and he is the founder and CEO of Boston Polo Club.  He has also worked as a substitute teacher in Georgetown’s public schools, and served as a coach at Babson University. Mark is the grandson of Armenian immigrants. His family fled the Armenian Genocide during World War I. Mark and his family know that the values of liberty and justice for all are fleeting and must be protected.