Boston Globe: In Middlesex DA Race, the Challenge Is Coming From Inside the Office

The Boston Globe examines the Democratic primary for Middlesex District Attorney, a race between two longtime colleagues, incumbent Marian Ryan and David Solet.

The report traces David’s more than 20 years as a prosecutor in Middlesex County. He began in the office after law school, later served as chief legal counsel at the state public safety office, and returned to lead the Cold Case Unit Ryan launched in 2019 before resigning to run for District Attorney.

David told the Globe that his firsthand experience in the office showed him areas where it could do more to protect people. His campaign has called for changes to Massachusetts dangerousness-hearing rules, stronger action against drugged driving, and a Crime Gun Unit focused on the flow of illegal firearms into the Commonwealth.

Ryan points to Middlesex County’s public-safety record and argues that the data does not justify broader pretrial detention. The Globe reports that she is campaigning on her record in office, including racial justice initiatives, an anti-hate and anti-bias task force, and work on emerging threats such as cryptocurrency scams and AI-generated explicit images.

The article also covers David’s support from dozens of police unions and public-safety organizations. Ryan says she does not accept police-union endorsements or donations because her office investigates officer misconduct.

Cambridge Bicycle Safety has also endorsed David, citing his commitment to stronger investigation, accountability, and transparency in serious roadway cases involving people walking and biking.

Read the full Boston Globe report for complete coverage.