PITTSFIELD, Mass. — State Sen. Adam Hinds is putting his support behind Quentin Palfrey in the race for lieutenant governor.

 

The senator for Berkshire, Hampshire, Franklin, and Hampden counties announced his endorsement of the former White House official on Wednesday. On Monday, Hinds is expected to join Palfrey to make the formal announcement.

 

"I've known Quentin for a long time. We worked together in the trenches on John Kerry's campaign for president and since then I have watched him take on one serious challenge after another to stand up for working families. Quentin has the background and policy expertise that can make a difference, and that is why I am endorsing him as we head into the Massachusetts Democratic Convention," Hinds said.

 

Palfrey previously worked as a senior adviser for jobs and competitiveness in the White House under former President Barack Obama. He was deputy counsel for strategic initiatives at the U.S. Department of Commerce. He previously worked in the health-care division in the state's attorney general's office. He was also the executive director of the Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab North America at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. 

 

"I am so honored to have been endorsed by Senator Adam Hinds. Adam has been an incredible leader for Western Massachusetts, and I am excited to have his support," Palfrey said.

 

"As lieutenant governor, I will join Senator Hinds in standing up for our working families and seniors to preserve and strengthen what makes this Commonwealth great. By collaborating with local leaders in our cities and towns, we can focus on the issues that impact residents every day -- investing in our schools, combating the opioid epidemic, and creating jobs. I will be a strong advocate for environmental sustainability, supporting the arts, and I will not rest until there is a clear plan for universal broadband access in Massachusetts."

 

Palfrey is up against Jimmy Tingle for the Democratic nomination. The winner will join either Jay Gonzalez or Bob Massie on the Democratic ticket. In the Republican primary, Gov. Charlie Baker is being challenged by Scott Lively. Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito is unopposed.

 

Palfrey has already made a few campaign stops in the Berkshires. He attended the Pittsfield Democratic caucus and followed that with a meeting with Greylock Together in North Adams. Some of his stances on the issues include bolstering state aid for education, raising the minimum wage, paid family leave, passing the Fair Share Amendment, and moving toward single-payer health care.

 

Recently, he's racked up a series of endorsements including Northampton Mayor David Narkewicz, state Sens. Eric Lesser, and Cindy Creem, the Progressive Democrats of Massachusetts and Progressive Massachusetts.