Immigration attorney Diann Baylis announced Monday that she has submitted more than 1,500 nomination signatures to city and town clerks, securing a spot on the ballot for the 6th District Governor’s Council race.
“I am so very grateful to the hundreds of voters that signed my nomination papers, and for the many in-depth conversations I’ve had with residents throughout this district,” said Baylis.
The Massachusetts Governor’s Council advises the governor on matters such as judicial nominations and pardons. The council also helps certify statewide election results. To qualify, candidates must be at least 18 years old, a registered Massachusetts voter, a resident of the Commonwealth for at least five years, and collect 1,000 signatures from registered voters.
Baylis submitted 50% more signatures than required.
“So many voters that I’ve spoken with share my goal of having judges in the probate courts that will show compassion and understanding to immigrant children,” Baylis said. “They also share my desire for transparency in the Governor’s Council’s proceedings, and my passion for ensuring that every vote is counted in every election. Voters are hungry for change, and change is what I will deliver.”
The primary will be held on September 1.On November 3, voters will elect all eight members of the Governor’s Council. Swampscott voters will elect only the 6th District representative. The 6th District encompasses parts of Boston, most of Cambridge, as well as Chelsea, Everett, Lynn, Lynnfield, Malden, Marblehead, Medford, Melrose, Nahant, Reading, Revere, Saugus, Somerville, Stoneham, Swampscott, Wakefield, Winchester and Winthrop.
The election will be held concurrently with those for the U.S. Senate, U.S. House of Representatives and governor.
Democrats held all eight seats on the Governor’s Council in the previous election.
Incumbent Terrance Kennedy has also filed to run for the seat. He ran unopposed in 2024.
Baylis is a lifelong resident of the north of Boston region. She graduated from Merrimack College and Suffolk Law School and has volunteered with the Lawyer of the Day program at Essex Probate Court. Earlier in her career she served as deputy campaign coordinator for the Massachusetts Democratic Party, and she is currently an active member of the Marblehead Democratic Town Committee.
Baylis has also supported the work of the Massachusetts Coalition to Prevent Gun Violence, having testified at legislative hearings and spoken at State House rallies to urge action on much-needed gun violence prevention legislation.
Baylis currently represents children navigating the immigration process. She is an immigration staff attorney at Kids in Need of Defense (KIND). While most immigration cases are handled in federal court, special immigrant juvenile status for unaccompanied minors is determined in state probate courts.
“We need judges with knowledge, integrity and compassion at every level of our judiciary, and I will be a voice for that on the Governor’s Council” said Baylis. “We must ensure that people appointed to judgeships understand immigration law, and that they will stand up for the constitutional rights, safety and best interests of immigrants and immigrant children.”
