Seth Moulton

Seth Moulton
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives
from Massachusetts's 6th district
Assumed office
January 3, 2015
Preceded by John F. Tierney
Personal details
Born Seth Wilbur Moulton
(1978-10-24) October 24, 1978
Salem, Massachusetts, U.S.
Political party Democratic
Spouse(s) Liz Boardman Moulton
Children 1
Education Harvard University (BA, MBA, MPP)
Website House website
Military service
Allegiance  United States
Service/branch  United States Marine Corps
Years of service 2001–2008
Rank Captain
Battles/wars Iraq War
Awards Bronze Star (2) with Combat "V"
Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with Combat "V"

Seth Wilbur Moulton (born October 24, 1978) is an American politician serving as the U.S. Representative for Massachusetts's 6th congressional district since 2015. A former Marine Corps officer, he is a member of the Democratic Party.

After graduating from Harvard University in 2001 with a Bachelor of Science in physics, Moulton joined the United States Marine Corps. He served four tours in Iraq and then went on to earn his master's degrees in business and public policy in a dual program at Harvard. He entered politics in 2014, running for Massachusetts's 6th congressional district. He defeated incumbent U.S. Representative John F. Tierney in the Democratic primary and then defeated former Republican State Senator Richard Tisei in the general election.

Early life, education, and commission

Seth Wilbur Moulton was born on October 24, 1978, in Salem, Massachusetts, the son of Lynn Alice (née Meader), a secretary, and Wilbur Thomas Moulton, Jr., a real estate attorney.[1][2][3] Moulton grew up in Marblehead, Massachusetts, as the oldest of three siblings.[1] He graduated from Phillips Academy, a co-educational boarding and day university-preparatory school in Andover, Massachusetts in 1997,[4] and attended Harvard University, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts in physics in 2001. He gave the Undergraduate English Oration at his commencement, focusing on the importance of service.[5]

Moulton joined the Marine Corps after graduation, a few months before the September 11 attacks,[6] and attended the Officer Candidate School in Quantico, Virginia. After graduating in 2002 with the rank of second lieutenant, Moulton was among the first service members to enter Baghdad at the beginning of the Iraq War.[1][5]

Military career

During the 2003 invasion of Iraq, Moulton led one of the first infantry platoons to enter Baghdad. He served a total of four tours of duty in Iraq from 2003 to 2008.[1] Moulton took part in the 2003 Battle of Nasiriyah, leading a platoon that cleared a hostile stronghold. In that action, he went to the aid of a Marine wounded by friendly fire, and for his actions he was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal for valor.[7] Moulton was active in combat against insurgent forces in Iraq, including the 2004 Battle of Najaf against the militia of Muqtada al-Sadr.[8] Over two days, he "fearlessly exposed himself to enemy fire" as his platoon was pinned down under heavy fire and then directed the supporting fire that repelled the attack. He received the Bronze Star Medal for his actions in this battle.[7]

He told only his campaign manager, a former Marine, about these awards, keeping them secret even from his parents. When Boston Globe reporter Walter V. Robinson disclosed in October 2014 that Moulton had earned the Bronze Star and the Commendation Medal, Moulton said that "[t]here is a healthy disrespect among veterans who served on the front lines for people who walk around telling war stories". He said he was uncomfortable calling attention to his own awards out of respect to "many others who did heroic things and received no awards at all." He asked Robinson not to refer to him as a hero: "Look, we served our country, and we served the guys next to us. And it's not something to brag about." The Globe reported that "his voice choked with emotion" as he added: "The greatest honor of my life was to lead these men in my platoon, even though it was a war that I and they disagreed with."[7]

In 2008, General David Petraeus requested that Moulton be assigned to work as a special liaison with tribal leaders in Southern Iraq during his fourth tour of duty in Iraq. Following that tour, Moulton was discharged from the Marine Corps with the rank of captain.[1][9][10]

Media contributions

In 2003, Moulton co-hosted a television program with his Iraqi interpreter, Mohammed Harba, called "Moulton and Mohammed," during which they discussed regional conditions in the period following the U.S. invasion before an audience of U.S. servicemen and Iraqi citizens.[11] The show ended after three months when Moulton's unit left the area.[1]

Between 2003 and 2008, Moulton was frequently interviewed about his experiences as an officer in Iraq by U.S. national media, including CNN, MSNBC, and NPR programs Morning Edition and All Things Considered.[1][12]

And are you telling me that's the best America can do? No. Don't tell me that, don't tell the Marines who fought for a month in Najaf that, don't tell the marines who are still fighting every day in Fallujah that that's the best America can do... That makes me angry.

— No End in Sight, Seth Moulton

Moulton was also prominently featured in the Academy Award-nominated 2007 documentary No End in Sight. In the film, Moulton criticized the U.S. government's handling of the occupation of Iraq. UCLA anthropology professor Sherry Ortner wrote that Moulton's comments "sum[med] up the emotional tone of the film."[13]

Private sector career

Following his return from active duty with the Marines in 2008, Moulton attended a dual-degree program at the Harvard Business School and the Harvard Kennedy School, receiving master's degrees in business and public policy in 2011.[14] After graduate school, Moulton worked for one year as managing director of the Texas Central Railway, a transportation firm that is in the process of building a high-speed rail connection between Houston and Dallas–Fort Worth, Texas.[15]

In 2011, Moulton and a graduate school classmate founded Eastern Healthcare Partners, a small business that Moulton has invoked to show he was a "successful entrepreneur" who understands "what it's like to face that day when you might not meet payroll." The company raised investor funds and drafted a partnership agreement with Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, but in October 2014 the Boston Globe reported that by the time Moulton ran for Congress, EHP had no revenue, was still incubating, and had closed its only Massachusetts office.

U.S. House of Representatives

Elections

2012 speculation

Moulton had considered running against Democratic Representative John F. Tierney of Massachusetts's 6th congressional district as an Independent in the 2012 elections, but he decided against it in July 2012, saying that "the time and the logistics of putting together all the campaign infrastructure, organizing the volunteers ... the fundraising—it's just too much to accomplish in three months." Had he run and been elected, he would have caucused with the Democrats. He told Roll Call that his own polling "showed there was in fact a clear path to victory" and said he might run for office in the future.[16]

2014 election

On July 8, 2013, Moulton announced his candidacy in the 2014 congressional race for Massachusetts' 6th district.[17]

The race had been recognized for its competitiveness by national and regional media throughout the election cycle.[18][19][20][21][22] Moulton challenged Tierney in the Democratic primary. According to Time magazine political columnist Joe Klein, Moulton "refused to distinguish himself from Tierney on most issues. He's running on freshness and dynamism."[21] The Boston Globe editorial board wrote: "Moulton and Tierney share nearly identical political views, but Moulton's background, and his approach to discussing the issues, suggests an openness to new perspectives."[15]

Tierney's campaign claimed in campaign advertisements that Moulton received campaign contributions from a New Hampshire political action committee that previously donated only to Republicans, implying that Moulton must hold conservative views.[23] Moulton denied being more conservative than his opponent,[24] and stated that the Republican PAC donation was returned. Public Federal Election Commission filings confirmed that the donation was returned in February 2014.[23]

Moulton said that he opposed the Iraq War in which he served. A Tierney campaign staff member said that Moulton had "changed his mind" and highlighted Tierney's vote in Congress to oppose the 2002 resolution authorizing the U.S. Invasion of Iraq.[24] Moulton also received the first-ever political endorsement from Ret. Gen. Stanley McChrystal during the campaign.[25]

Moulton defeated Tierney in the primary with 50.8% of the vote to Tierney's 40.1%.[26]

Moulton was endorsed by Senator Elizabeth Warren[27] for the general election. In October 2014, he withdrew from a debate sponsored by radio station WGBH because of a series of New York fundraisers, where he welcomed Democratic National Committee Chairwoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz.[28] The campaigns of Moulton and his Republican opponent, Richard Tisei, were held up as an example of how candidates can compete with respect for each other.[29]

Moulton defeated Tisei in the general election.

2016 election

Moulton was uncontested for reelection in 2016.[30]

2020 speculation

Moulton has been mentioned as a possible candidate for President.[31][32]

Tenure

Moulton was sworn into the 114th United States Congress on January 3, 2015.[33]

Committee assignments
114th Congress (2015–17)[34][35]

Moulton is a member of the Congressional Arts Caucus.[36]

Political views

In Moulton's campaign advertisements, he has called himself a "progressive Democrat".[37]

Moulton is a member of the New Democrat Coalition, a congressional caucus made up of Democrats who support an agenda described as "moderate", "pro-growth", and "fiscally responsible".[38] Moulton was ranked the 34th most bipartisan member of the U.S. House of Representatives during the 114th United States Congress (as well as the most bipartisan member of Congress in either chamber from Massachusetts and the most bipartisan member of the U.S. House of Representatives from New England) in the Bipartisan Index created by The Lugar Center and the McCourt School of Public Policy that ranks members of the United States Congress by their degree of bipartisanship (by measuring the frequency each member's bills attract co-sponsors from the opposite party and each member's co-sponsorship of bills by members of the opposite party).[39][40]

Views on marijuana

Moulton has admitted using marijuana and supports legalization, saying, "If you're not buying your marijuana from a dealer who sells heroin, who sells opioids, it's much less likely to be a gateway drug. The problem is now that it operates in the shadows. There's no control whatsoever. Someone goes and buys an edible, for example, there's no regulation about what's in that. It's like moonshine under Prohibition."[41]

Foreign policy

Moulton opposed sending U.S. troops back to Iraq in 2014.[42]

Social issues

Moulton supports same-sex marriage and abortion rights.[43][44] He supports increased gun control.[45]

Cybersecurity

In September 2018, Moulton co-sponsored, together with Elise Stefanik and Dan Donovan, the "Cyber Ready Workforce Act" advanced by Jacky Rosen. The legislation would create a grant program within the Department of Labor to "create, implement and expand registered apprenticeships" in cybersecurity. It aims to offer certifications and connect participants with businesses in order to "boost the number" workers for federal jobs in said trade.[46]

Transportation policy

Moulton is the driving force behind the North-South Rail Link, a project aimed at uniting Boston's north and south-side MBTA Commuter Rail lines, decongesting its subway lines, and linking the commuter rail to Logan International Airport via the Blue Line. He is an avid proponent of public transportation and frequently rides the commuter rail.[47][48]

Economic policy

In March 2016, with regard to the Trans-Pacific Partnership, Moulton said he needed to further analyze the proposal.[49]

Energy policy

Moulton supports the expansion of nuclear energy.[50]

Views on Donald Trump

In a March 2016 interview with The Boston Globe, Moulton compared the rise of the Republican presidential front-runner, Donald Trump, with Adolf Hitler's rise to power in the 1930s. Moulton said that, in order to understand how an educated society "can elect a demagogue," voters should read about how the German people elected Hitler in the early 20th century.[49]

Gun policy

On June 15, 2016, Moulton appeared on the cover of the New York Daily News with the statement "No Civilian Should Own This Gun" in reference to semi-automatic assault weapons. The cover pictures Moulton during a deployment to Iraq, carrying an issued M4 carbine.[51] The particular gun in the picture has never been legal for civilians to own due to the "Hughes Amendment" in 1986.[52]

Moulton penned an opinion piece promoting gun control, including the statement: "There's simply no reason for a civilian to own a military-style assault weapon. It's no different than why we outlaw civilian ownership of rockets and landmines."[53]

Personal life

On June 23, 2017, Moulton announced on Twitter his engagement to his girlfriend, Liz Boardman, a senior client partner at an executive search firm.[54] They were married at the Old North Church, Marblehead, Mass., on September 22, 2017.[55] Moulton announced the birth of his first child with his wife Liz, a girl named Emmy, in October 2018.[56]

Electoral history

U.S. House, 6th District of Massachusetts (Democratic Primary)[57][58]
Year Candidate Result Opponent Result
2014 Seth Moulton 50.8% John F. Tierney 40.1%
2016 Seth Moulton 99.1% None[lower-alpha 1] N/A
U.S. House, 6th District of Massachusetts (General Election)[59][60]
Year Democrat Result Opponent Result
2014 Seth Moulton 55.0% Richard Tisei 41.1%
2016 Seth Moulton 98.4% None[lower-alpha 2] N/A

Notes

  1. ↑ Moulton was the sole candidate in the primary election.
  2. ↑ Moulton was the sole candidate for the house election and won the election uncontested.

See also

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Phyllis Karas (February 2008). "How the Moultons Made Peace with the War". Boston Magazine.
  2. ↑ "0695. Lynn Alice Meade". Meader Family Organization. Retrieved November 6, 2014.
  3. ↑ Gomes, Peter J. (2003). The Good Life: Truths That Last in Times of Need. HarperOne. p. 365. Archived from the original on November 6, 2014. Retrieved November 6, 2014.
  4. ↑ "Seth Moulton '97 talks about service on April 22". Phillips Academy.
  5. 1 2 "War Profiles: Seth W. Moulton '01, 2nd Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps". Harvard Crimson. June 5, 2003.
  6. ↑ Jeremy W. Peters (February 8, 2015). "Disillusioned in Iraq, but Prodded to Serve Again". New York Times.
  7. 1 2 3 Robinson, Walter V. (October 18, 2014). "Seth Moulton underplays military service". The Boston Globe.
  8. ↑ "Director's Interview: Charles Ferguson". PBS. April 20, 2007.
  9. ↑ Sundaram, Kailash (September 12, 2014). "Seth Moulton '97 Wins The Democratic Party Primary". Phillips Academy. Archived from the original on October 9, 2014.
  10. ↑ Ebbert, Stephanie (May 11, 2014). "Marine Veteran Seth Moulton Wages Insurgent Campaign Against Fellow Democrat John Tierney". Boston Globe. Retrieved November 11, 2014.
  11. ↑ "Moulton & Mohammed". American Public Media. January 6, 2007. Archived from the original on September 24, 2014.
  12. ↑ "Search Results:Seth Moulton".
  13. ↑ Ortner, Sherry B. (2013). Not Hollywood: Independent Film at the Twilight of the American Dream. Duke University Press. p. 245. ISBN 978-0822354260. Retrieved November 11, 2014.
  14. ↑ O'Sullivan Jim (July 7, 2014). "Tierney faces Democratic challenger for his seat". Boston Globe. Retrieved September 13, 2014.
  15. 1 2 "Seth Moulton For Congress". Boston Globe. September 2, 2014. Retrieved November 11, 2014.
  16. ↑ "Massachusetts: Independent Seth Moulton Will Not Run". Roll Call. July 23, 2012. Retrieved October 8, 2014.
  17. ↑ Lannan, Katie (July 10, 2013). "Moulton Launches Tierney Challenge". Lowell Sun. Retrieved October 25, 2014.
  18. ↑ Taylor, Jessica (November 15, 2013). "The 39 Democrats who broke ranks from Obama". MSNBC. Retrieved November 11, 2014.
  19. ↑ Caldwell, Leigh Ann; Steinhauser, Paul (January 1, 2014). "5 House Races to Watch in 2014". CNN. Retrieved November 11, 2014.
  20. ↑ Gonzales, Nathan L. (August 21, 2014). "Top 5 Races to Watch in New England". Roll Call. Retrieved November 11, 2014.
  21. 1 2 Klein, Joe (August 28, 2014). "A Battle of Two Veterans". Time. Retrieved November 11, 2014.
  22. ↑ Woodruff, Betsy (September 3, 2014). "Iraq vet gives Tierney tough challenge in Massachusetts". Washington Examiner. Retrieved November 11, 2014.
  23. 1 2 "John Tierney Launches Attack Against Democratic Challenger". Boston Globe. September 2, 2014. Retrieved November 11, 2014.
  24. 1 2 "Seth Moulton puts John Tierney's Iraq vote back in play". Boston Globe. August 8, 2014. Retrieved November 11, 2014.
  25. ↑ "Retired Gen. McChrystal endorses congress hopeful Moulton" by Joshua Miller, Boston Globe, August 4, 2014
  26. ↑ "Massachusetts Election Statistics". Massachusetts Election Division. Retrieved October 25, 2014.
  27. ↑ "Elizabeth Warren endorses Seth Moulton for Congress". Boston Globe. Associated Press. September 28, 2014. Retrieved October 14, 2014.
  28. ↑ Stout, Matt (October 7, 2014). "Richard Tisei rips Seth Moulton cash grab in 6th". Boston Herald. Retrieved October 14, 2014.
  29. ↑ Zengerle, Jason (November 4, 2014). "This Massachusetts Race Will Restore Your Faith in Our Democracy". New Republic. Retrieved November 5, 2014.
  30. ↑ "Massachusetts U.S. House 6th District Results: Seth Moulton Wins". nytimes.com. Arthur Ochs Sulzberger Jr. December 13, 2016. Retrieved January 30, 2017.
  31. ↑ O'Sullivan, Jim (May 2, 2017). "Speculation is stirring about a Seth Moulton presidential bid". The Boston Globe.
  32. ↑ Mahaskey, M. Scott. "Generals Love Him, Top Democrats Despise Him. Can Seth Moulton Be President Anyway?". Politico Magazine.
  33. ↑ "Congressman Seth Moulton Sworn-in to 114th Congress". Archived from the original on January 22, 2015. Retrieved January 6, 2015.
  34. ↑ "CONGRESSMAN MOULTON NAMED TO HOUSE BUDGET COMMITTEE". Archived from the original on January 22, 2015. Retrieved January 21, 2015.
  35. ↑ "CONGRESSMAN MOULTON NAMED TO HOUSE ARMED SERVICES COMMITTEE". Archived from the original on January 22, 2015. Retrieved January 9, 2015.
  36. ↑ "Membership". Congressional Arts Caucus. Retrieved 21 March 2018.
  37. ↑ "Seth Moulton said he smoked Pot at Harvard, supports legalization". NoBo Magazine. August 13, 2014. Retrieved April 6, 2016.
  38. ↑ "Members". New Democrat Coalition. Retrieved 2 February 2018.
  39. ↑ "The Lugar Center - McCourt School Bipartisan Index - House" (PDF). The Lugar Center. March 7, 2016. Retrieved April 30, 2017.
  40. ↑ "The Lugar Center - McCourt School Bipartisan Index - Senate" (PDF). The Lugar Center. March 7, 2016. Retrieved April 30, 2017.
  41. ↑ Clauss, Kyle Scott (September 19, 2016). "Seth Moulton Says He Smoked Pot at Harvard, Supports Legalization". Boston Magazine. Retrieved October 13, 2017.
  42. ↑ "Seth Moulton's Bid to Unseat US Congressman John Tierney". New England Cable News. August 19, 2014.
  43. ↑ Snow, Justin (October 30, 2014). "Democrat Seth Moulton rejects support from same-sex marriage opponents". Metro Weekly. Retrieved April 6, 2016.
  44. ↑ Zengerle, Jason (November 4, 2014). "This Massachusetts Race Will Restore Your Faith in Our Democracy". New Republic. Retrieved April 6, 2016.
  45. ↑ Schoenberg, Shira (January 6, 2016). "Sen. Elizabeth Warren, Rep. Seth Moulton voice support for President Obama's gun laws". Mass Live. Retrieved April 6, 2016.
  46. ↑ Thomsen, Jacqueline. "Dem introduces bill to create federal cybersecurity apprenticeship program". The Hill. Retrieved 17 September 2018.
  47. ↑ "Look to Texas Model for Boston rail link". Capital New York. March 24, 2016.
  48. ↑ "Riding the rails with Moulton". Salem News. March 29, 2016.
  49. 1 2 Andersen, Travis (March 24, 2016). "Moulton compares Trump's rise to election of Hitler in 1930s". The Boston Globe. Retrieved March 24, 2016.
  50. ↑ Wade, Christian M. (October 29, 2015). "Pilgrim's closure revives nuclear energy debate". The Eagle-Tribune. Retrieved March 24, 2016.
  51. ↑ "No Civilian Should Own This Weapon". New York Daily News. June 15, 2016. Retrieved June 17, 2016.
  52. ↑ "Firearm Owners Protection Act". Wikipedia. April 10, 2017.
  53. ↑ Moulton, Seth (June 14, 2016). "Civilians have no reason for owning assault weapons, but Congress lacks the courage to stop them: Congressman and Iraq War vet". New York Daily News. Retrieved June 17, 2016.
  54. ↑ Shanahan, Mark (June 23, 2017). "Congressman Seth Moulton announces engagement". Boston Globe. Retrieved June 23, 2017.
  55. ↑ Shanahan, Mark, BOSTON GLOBE, Sept., 22, 2017
  56. ↑ "Seth Moulton announces birth of his first child - The Boston Globe". BostonGlobe.com. Retrieved 2018-10-12.
  57. ↑ "2014 U.S. House Democratic Primary - 6th Congressional District". Election Stats. Retrieved June 23, 2017.
  58. ↑ "2016 U.S. House Democratic Primary - 6th Congressional District". Election Stats. Retrieved June 23, 2017.
  59. ↑ "2014 U.S. House General Election - 6th Congressional District". Election Stats. Retrieved June 23, 2017.
  60. ↑ "2016 U.S. House General Election - 6th Congressional District". Election Stats. Retrieved June 23, 2017.
U.S. House of Representatives
Preceded by
John F. Tierney		 Member of the U.S. House of Representatives
from Massachusetts's 6th congressional district
2015–present		 Incumbent
Current U.S. order of precedence (ceremonial)
Preceded by
Alex Mooney		 United States Representatives by seniority
345th		 Succeeded by
Dan Newhouse
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