Jeromie Whalen

Jeromie Whalen was born in Nashua, New Hampshire. He graduated from Belchertown High School. He earned a bachelor's and a graduate degree from the University of Massachusetts Amherst in 2011 and 2018, respectively, and a Ph.D. from the University of Massachusetts Amherst in 2024. His career experience included working as a teacher and in nonprofit community media.[2]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Jeromie Whalen is a lifelong Western Massachusetts resident shaped by the values of hard work, respect, and community. Raised in Belchertown and now living in South Hadley with his wife, he has spent more than a decade as a high school teacher, mentor, and community builder. He earned three degrees from UMass Amherst and built his career around helping young people grow, solving real problems, and lifting others up.

He is running for Congress because he believes this district deserves a representative rooted in the community, not in special interests. His vision focuses on fairness, integrity, and bringing hope and energy back into public service. Jeromie sees this campaign as a movement built by and for the people of Western and Central Massachusetts, and he is committed to showing up, listening, and fighting for a better future for everyone.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Lower taxes and raise them on billionaires. Raise the tax threshold for working and middle class: Create a Cost of Living Exemption so that federal taxes do not apply to income up to a realistic cost of living for a single adult, set around $45,000 per year. Surcharge on the ultra wealthy: Add a 3 percent surtax on income over $1 million, and an 8 percent surtax on income over $15 million. Close the stepped up basis loophole: End the “buy, borrow, die” system that lets the ultra wealthy avoid taxes while their assets grow.Make healthcare work. Implement Medicare for All to guarantee healthcare for every American through a single payer system with full coverage. Expand access to mental health services and preventative care to stop problems early, and cap prescription drug prices so essential medications like insulin stay affordable. Strengthen support for nurses and frontline healthcare staff by raising pay, improving staffing ratios, and ensuring safe working conditions. Finally, bolster EMS services by addressing staff shortages, rising call volumes, and the financial strain facing first responders across Western Massachusetts.Empower public education. Raise teacher pay to attract and retain strong educators, and restore the Department of Education so it can set national standards, protect student rights, and promote equity. Guarantee universal, high quality Pre K so every child gets an equal start and working families have reliable early education options. Fully fund public schools instead of diverting money to private institutions, including proper support for special education. Make community college and vocational training tuition free so every American can access higher education, job training, and real paths to economic mobility.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Education, economy, healthcare, technology.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

I look up to my campaign team and volunteers, and to everyone who has helped me get to where I am today. The amount of work and selflessness they show, and the belief they have in me, is something I am forever grateful for.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Integrity, accessibility, responsiveness, determination, action, leadership, advocacy, charitableness, relatability.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

Listening to constituents, meeting them in the community where they are, understanding their questions and concerns, and advocating for the specific needs of the communities you represent.

What legacy would you like to leave?

No matter what, I gave it my absolute all, and my intentions were always good.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

Maybe not the very first, but I remember 9/11 clearly. I was in Spanish class when the teacher got the news and became frantic, speaking so fast in Spanish none of us could follow. In her panic, she drew two rectangles on the board, then erased them, then turned on the television. That was when we saw everything unfolding. The world changed from that moment on.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

Stocking beer at a local package store. I used to break apart 30 packs and turn them into six packs, and I got pretty damn fast at it. Fun fact, I learned how to whistle while working in the back refrigerator stocking Natty Light. Had it for two years.

What is your favorite book? Why?

Anything by Steinbeck. The simplicity and the depth of his writing get me every time.

If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

Probably Gandalf. First, he has been around for literal ages. Second, he fought and beat a Balrog. Third, he played a crucial role in the survival of Middle Earth. And finally, he got to spend eternity in the Grey Havens. He also routinely sacrificed himself for the greater good.

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

Saying no. I’m a yes person, and that can stretch you thin if you do not surround yourself with people you can rely on to share responsibilities and help guide the vision.

What qualities does the U.S. House of Representatives possess that makes it unique as an institution?

I see the House of Representatives as the branch that best reflects democratic principles. Its representation by population, combined with the number of people a member interacts with, makes it more closely aligned with genuine, responsive representation than the Senate. This gives you the ability to truly embrace the individuality of your district and the people who live in it.

Do you believe that it's beneficial for representatives to have previous experience in government or politics?

Absolutely not. At this point it’s more of a liability than a benefit. Congress and the Democratic Party are at historic lows in approval, and a major reason is the corporatism tied to long term politicians and their relationships with wealthy donors. We need real people who understand our communities, who can reflect actual needs, and who bring grounded perspective to the work.

What do you perceive to be the United States' greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade?

Affordability, addressing healthcare inequities, and overcoming political divides.

What are your thoughts on term limits?

I support term limits because they help keep our government accountable and connected to the people it serves. When officials stay in office for too long, they can become disconnected from everyday realities and too tied to special interests. They also reduce the power of career politicians and keep public service focused on service, not self preservation.

Is there a particular representative, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?

There was a long-time representative in Western MA named Silvio Conte, who was beloved for his visibility and accessibility. He was succeeded by John Olver, who continued that tradition of connecting with every part of the district. I have tremendous respect for leaders who show up, stay engaged, and are truly embedded in the community.

Both sitting representatives and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?

I was recently at a healthcare summit and listened as a woman, in tears, described how a certified nursing assistant she worked with, here on a valid visa, suddenly disappeared after being taken by ICE. He had proper documentation, yet he was gone without warning, leaving behind patients who relied on him and coworkers who cared about him. She went on to explain that Massachusetts already faces a shortage of CNAs, and losing him was not only morally wrong but carried economic consequences for their facility and the people they serve. The current immigration crackdown is both fiscally irresponsible and inhumane.

Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?

Compromise is always needed in policymaking.

The Constitution says that all bills for raising revenue must originate in the House. What role would this power play in your priorities if elected?

The House needs to step up its game and raise more hell when a president thinks he is above what the legislature appropriates.

How should the U.S. House use its investigative powers?

Objectively, but frequently when faced with issues.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Track AIPAC, Progressive Democrats of America

Candidates hear many personal stories from voters. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching or memorable?

There are some truly beautiful people out there, let me tell you. There is a woman who occasionally sends me photos of the sunrise or sunset, no context, just something beautiful she wanted to share. There is also a man who sends me short poems every week. Both are essentially strangers, yet their small gestures remind me how interconnected we all are, and how we can appreciate one another in simple, quiet, and profound ways.

What is an accomplishment that you are proud of?

Winning an Emmy. It was a Boston/New England Regional Emmy, and I earned it with a crew of students and volunteers, using equipment borrowed from a community media center and working with a zero dollar budget. We were up against massive, multi million dollar media companies, and we won. It shows how far you can go when you know what you are doing and the people around you believe in you.

What role should the United States government have in the development or use of artificial intelligence?

The government needs to regulate artificial intelligence and become far more informed about how technology actually works. Right now we have an aging group of legislators who are out of touch with modern tech, yet they are the ones responsible for protecting our privacy and security. Half of Congress can barely remember their passwords, yet they are expected to make decisions that shape the digital future.

What legislation would you enact related to election administration in the United States?

Currently, Jim McGovern (MA-02) is pushing for a constitutional amendment to overturn Citizens United and get corporate money out of politics. That is a great start.

Campaign websiteWhalen's campaign website stated the following:Everywhere I go, I hear the same thing: people don’t want to hear about the problems we are facing, they want to hear what the solutions are.These solutions come from my lived experiences and the values I was raised with right here in Western Massachusetts. It’s not fed to me by talking heads on TV who don’t know this community or how we live.I put community over politics every single day, because real change happens when we’ve got each other’s backs instead of playing into partisan games. At the end of the day, it’s about cutting through the noise and holding onto a simple truth: we’re strongest when we care for our neighbors and show up for one another.You might agree with some of it and disagree with other parts, and that’s ok. Politics is attacking the same universal problems from different angles. While we may take different approaches, the challenges remain the same for all of us. Either way, I appreciate you, respect you, and have your back. That’s what community means to me, and that’s what representing Western and Central Massachusetts is all about.LOWER TAXES AND RAISE THEM ON BILLIONAIRES I recently made a shirt with a motto every Democrat should embrace: “Lower Taxes. Raise them on billionaires. Party.” And it’s true: Democrats are the party of lower taxes, at least for the 99%.With 63% of Americans supporting higher taxes on large corporations, the public is ready. But what’s holding up progress? Richie Neal and his billionaire buddies continue to gaslight by trying to sell trickle-down economics to you.  Here's how we will TAX them their fair share:Raise the tax threshold for working and middle class: Create a Cost of Living Exemption (COLE) so that federal taxes do not apply to income up to a reasonable cost-of-living level for a single adult with no children, set at about $45,000 per year.Surcharge on the ultra-wealthy: Apply a 3% surtax on annual income over $1 million, and an 8% surtax on income over $15 million.Close the stepped-up basis loophole: end the “buy, borrow, die” tactic that allows ultra-wealthy individuals to avoid paying taxes as their wealth grows.MAKE HEALTHCARE WORKOur healthcare system is broken, and it breaks lives as a result. In February, my brother Christopher died after taking his own life during a battle with mental illness. I watched him suffer in hospitals and psych wards, denied proper care unless our family could afford private treatment. This is the reality for countless families whose loved ones are tragically left behind.Yet healthcare has repeatedly been cut and slashed, with Republicans recently forcing through a bill that threatens coverage for millions. But the crisis didn’t start there. Over the course of Richie Neal’s 37 years in Congress, the system has only deteriorated. Why doesn’t Richie Neal want you to say Medicare for All? Because he receives hundreds of thousands of dollars from the health care industry to ensure that nothing gets done. While his donors stay protected, you don’t.Here’s how we will MAKE healthcare work:Implement Medicare for All: Guarantee healthcare for every American by establishing a single-payer system that provides comprehensive coverage for all.Invest in mental health and preventative care: Expand access to counseling, screenings, initial appointments, and community-based services to stop health issues before they escalate.Cap prescription drug prices: Enforce price limits on essential medications so that no one is priced out of the treatments they need, such as insulin and chemotherapy.Support our nurses and frontline healthcare staff: Increase pay, create safe staffing ratio laws, and ensure safe working conditions so nurses and other healthcare workers can deliver the care our communities deserve. Support EMS services: Address staff shortages, increasing call volume, and financial constraints that plague our medical first responders in Western MA.EMPOWER PUBLIC SCHOOLSPublic education is essential to a healthy society, yet it's under attack. As a high school teacher for 11 years, I’ve seen how strong schools support all students, especially those with diverse needs. My dedication to inclusive education is personal, shaped by documenting the history of institutions like the Belchertown State Schools and by my close friendship with a young man with autism, who became my best friend and the best man at my wedding.Unfortunately, Donald Trump and MAGA Republicans have repeatedly undermined public education, targeting teachers and students nationwide. This year alone, the Department of Education was abolished, and Massachusetts lost $108 million in public school funding, including $47 million in Springfield: all while Richie Neal stood by and did nothing. As a public school educator, I am committed to taking innovative approaches to improving our education system.Here’s how we will EMPOWER public schools:Pay Teachers More: Raise teacher salaries to attract, retain, and respect qualified educators in every community.Restore the Department of Education: Re-empower the Department of Education to establish national standards, safeguard student rights, and foster equity in public education.Provide Universal Pre-K Services: Guarantee access to free, high-quality Pre-K education for every child in MA-01 and beyond, giving all students an equitable start and supporting working families who rely on affordable early childhood education.Fully Fund Public Schools: Ensure that public funds are used primarily to support public schools, rather than being diverted to private institutions and voucher programs. This includes funding special education services so all students receive the support they need to succeed. Tuition-Free Community College & Vocational Schooling: Ensure every American has access to affordable higher education and job training by passing federal legislation that eliminates tuition at public community colleges and vocational programs, opening pathways to stable careers and economic mobility.MAKE HOUSING AFFORDABLEGrowing up in Western Massachusetts, I saw firsthand how housing shaped the stability of families and the health of entire communities. I spent much of my time at the Lord Jeffery Apartments, the Section 8 housing where my friends lived, just a block away from my suburban neighborhood. That single block showed me a stark contrast in living conditions and opportunity.Under Neal’s watch, we see landlords hiking up rents in Easthampton, Ludlow, and Springfield, just to name a few.If we want our communities to thrive, we need bold action to bring housing costs under control, expand affordable options, and protect renters from being pushed out of the places they call home.Here’s how we will MAKE housing affordable:Crack Down on Corporate Landlords: Rein in predatory practices by large real estate investors who drive up rents and displace residents, prioritizing community ownership and local housing trusts instead.Support Rent Control Policies: Restore the ability of cities and towns to implement rent stabilization measures that protect tenants from sudden, unreasonable increases.Build and Preserve Affordable Housing: Increase federal investment in affordable housing construction and protect existing units from being converted into luxury apartments or short-term rentals.Expand Housing Vouchers and Assistance: Ensure federal rental assistance programs cover more families and actually reflect the cost of living in Western and Central Massachusetts.SAFEGUARD SOCIAL SECURITYSocial Security is a promise that after a lifetime of work, every American deserves stability and peace of mind in retirement. Millions rely on these earned benefits to pay for housing, food, and healthcare, yet Washington politicians continue to treat Social Security as negotiable. With Richie Neal asleep at the wheel, the Trump administration has repeatedly attacked Social Security by pushing payroll tax deferrals and benefit cuts that threatened the trust fund. Our seniors deserve better.Protecting and expanding Social Security is a moral obligation to those who built this country and to future generations who deserve that same security.Here’s how we will SAFEGUARD social security:Strengthen Benefits for Retirees: Guarantee that Social Security payments keep pace with inflation so seniors do not lose purchasing power.Prevent Cuts or Privatization: Oppose any attempts to privatize or undermine Social Security through risky investment schemes.Safeguard the Trust Fund: Keep the Social Security Trust Fund solvent by ensuring adequate revenue and reassess the payroll tax cap so that higher earners contribute fairly. Close loopholes that exempt certain income from payroll taxes.Expand Coverage & Fairness: Ensure that all workers (especially part-time, gig, and self-employed workers) are fully included in the Social Security system. Strengthen spousal and survivor benefits so that families are not left vulnerable if a wage earner passes away.EXPAND PUBLIC TRANSPORTATIONGrowing up in Western Massachusetts, I saw firsthand how difficult it is to get around without a car. Long before I had a license, I relied on my bike, family, and rides in my friend Jay’s 1986 Toyota Supra to get from one place to another. Even today, many communities in the region are isolated by limited bus routes, infrequent service, or no public transportation at all. This lack of access creates a major barrier, especially for young people, seniors, low-income residents, and people with disabilities, who deserve the same freedom and opportunity as everyone else.Expanding public transportation in Western Mass isn’t just about convenience; it’s a crucial step toward equity and climate resilience. A strong, reliable transit system reduces our reliance on cars, cuts emissions, and connects people to jobs, education, and healthcare. If we want to build a future that works for everyone, we need to invest in a public transportation system that reflects the needs and values of our entire region.Here’s how we will EXPAND transportation:Expand ValleyBike program: Increase access to affordable, sustainable transportation by expanding the ValleyBike network to more communities.Fully fund PVTA buses and switch to hybrid/electric: Improve service and reduce emissions by fully funding PVTA and transitioning to a clean-energy fleet.Advocate for a high-speed train from Western MA to New York: Connect Western Mass to major economic hubs by pushing for a high-speed rail link to NYC, bypassing the current gap in New Haven.Make West-East Rail a reality: Establish reliable, frequent rail service between Pittsfield and Boston to connect the region and boost economic opportunity.PAY PEOPLE MOREIn the mid-2000s, I worked at a convenience store near my house as a high school student, earning about $7 an hour. It was hard to save for gas money then, and with the uncertain economic forecast, every dollar is becoming worth less and less. Meanwhile, with Richie Neal in charge for over 37 years, the minimum wage has been increased by Congress only three times, and has remained just $7.25 since 2009. Today, nearly 44% of full-time American workers still don’t earn enough to meet their family’s basic needs. Raising the minimum wage reduces poverty, boosts consumer spending, and drives economic growth, benefiting the country as a whole.Here’s how we will PAY people more:Raise the minimum wage: Increase the federal minimum wage to a minimum of $15.Tie to Cost of Living Wage: connect minimum wage to a wage sufficient to pay the basic living expenses of a single, childless adult living in the median American state based on a 40-hour work week.STOP CORPORATIONS FROM BUYING ELECTIONSCitizens United may be the most damaging Supreme Court ruling in U.S. history. Opening the floodgates for unlimited dark money has corrupted nearly every part of the legislative process. That’s why in my twenties, I launched a political action committee to fight against the influence of PACs, because I recognized early on how destructive this ruling would be to our democracy.Percentage-wise, Congressman Neal is one of the TOP recipients of corporate money in all of Congress, with 75% of his campaign funding coming from big banks, pharmaceutical companies, and corporate lobbyists—more than any other Democrat or Republican. Less than 0.15% of his donations come from small, individual donors. In return, we get a congressman who’s nowhere to be found when his constituents need him. To make matters worse, his son lobbies the very committee Neal chairs, all while collecting a part-time salary from his father’s campaign account.Here’s how we will REFORM campaign finance:Reverse Citizens United: Support the fight to overturn the Supreme Court decision that unleashed unlimited corporate spending in elections and restore fair limits on campaign financing.Ban Congressional Stock Trading: Prohibit members of Congress from trading individual stocks to prevent conflicts of interest and insider dealing.Oppose Corporate PACs: Pledge to reject campaign contributions from corporations and corporate PACs to preserve my values and mission.SUPPORT STRONG UNIONSFor the past 11 years, I’ve been a proud member of the Northampton Association of School Employees, a wall-to-wall union representing all district staff. I’ve supported organized labor even longer, once creating a satirical site called WhatTheFuckHaveUnionsDoneSoFar.com to highlight union victories. I served as Communications Director and later as a delegate while earning my master’s and doctoral degrees. When my brother fell ill and I had to step back from work, the union never stopped showing up for me. That’s the power of solidarity.Richie Neal claims to be a champion of unions, but his lack of leadership has gotten us two Trump administrations that have weakened unions by stripping collective bargaining rights, stacked the labor board with anti-union appointees, promoted at-will employment in government positions, enabled employer interference in organizing, and rolled back worker protections and enforcement. How strong is his fight if he can’t stand up to a union bully?Here’s how we will SUPPORT strong unions:Pass the PRO Act: Expand workers’ rights to organize by banning employer interference, ending “right-to-work” laws, and imposing penalties for union-busting.Enforce the NLRA: Strengthen the National Labor Relations Act with increased funding for the NLRB to protect workers and hold violators accountable.Guarantee card check recognition: Allow unions to form once a majority of workers have signed authorization cards, thereby reducing delays and intimidation during elections.Ban captive audience meetings: Prohibit employers from forcing workers to attend anti-union meetings during organizing drives.Protect public sector unions: Establish federal protections for collective bargaining rights of state and local government employees.Extend labor rights to gig and misclassified workers: Redefine employee status to ensure gig workers and contractors have union rights.Promote union access and neutrality agreements: Require federal contractors to remain neutral in union efforts and grant union access to workplaces.SUPPORT SMALL BUSINESSESSmall businesses are the backbone of a strong economy. Over the years, I’ve used my background in graphic design and media to help local entrepreneurs launch their ideas, and I’ve seen firsthand how challenging it is to get started and stay afloat.But under Richie Neal’s leadership, the U.S. Small Business Administration has shrunk, and the Springfield office was shut down. It’s no surprise: why prioritize small businesses when you’re busy hosting $5,000-a-plate fundraisers with corporate executive on Cape Cod?Here’s how we will INCREASE economic opportunity:Expand Access to Capital: Increase funding for low-interest loans and grants through the Small Business Administration (SBA), with a focus on underserved communities.Offer Tax Relief: Provide targeted tax credits and deductions for small businesses to help cover startup costs, employee wages, and equipment.Reform Procurement Policy: Prioritize federal contracts for local and minority-owned small businesses to boost revenue and growth opportunities.Invest in Local Infrastructure and Broadband: Improve transportation, utilities, and high-speed internet access in business districts to help small businesses compete and thrive.DEFEND OUR IMMIGRANT NEIGHBORSI recently got a frantic call from a former student after unknown agents pounded on their door in Western Massachusetts. Terrified to answer, they fled to a relative’s house, unsure what would happen next. As I scrambled to connect them with legal and support resources, my heart broke hearing them repeat in a trembling voice, “I’m not a bad person, I didn’t do anything wrong.” I witnessed that same fear and heartbreak at the vigil for Demetrio, a local farm worker taken in broad daylight at gunpoint by ICE agents.Since Richard Neal fell asleep at the wheel and allowed Trump’s second round of “retribution,” we’ve seen him weaponize ICE into a force of masked goons more focused on tearing families apart than addressing real crime. These scare tactics and disregard for due process undermine the integrity of our local and state law enforcement who protect and serve our communities every day. ICE’s reputation is forever tarnished, and it’s got to go.Abolish ICE Now: Dismantle Immigration and Customs Enforcement and replace it with a humane system that upholds due process and human rights. Pass Comprehensive Immigration Reform: Create a clear, fair pathway to citizenship, end family separation, and fix our broken visa and asylum systems.Protect DACA/Dreamers: Enshrine protections for DACA recipients into law and provide a permanent path to citizenship for Dreamers.PROTECT REPRODUCTIVE HEALTHCAREGrowing up Catholic, I experienced a turning point in my teenage years when I realized that some church teachings, especially around abortion, conflicted with the core values of compassion, dignity, and autonomy with which I had been raised. I chose to stand by my belief in a woman’s right to make decisions about her own body. Over time, that conviction has only grown stronger, inspired by the strength and wisdom of the women in my life, including my mother, my wife, and my students.But with Richie Neal asleep at the wheel, we’ve seen Donald Trump elected twice, and with him has come cutting federal fundi