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Massachusetts Democratic Party Chair Steve Kerrigan announced today that the 2026 Roosevelt Award will be presented to Senate President Karen Spilka as well as Beth Boland, a Boston attorney, and posthumously to State Representative Ann-Margaret Ferrante and Setti Warren. The Roosevelt Award recognizes a bold and steadfast leader and public servant who reflects the guiding principles and legacy of Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt.
“The honorees celebrated this year have embodied the compassion, courage, and commitment it takes to defend the core democratic values spotlighted by the Roosevelt Award,” said Kerrigan. “They have led by example, inspiring action, driving progress, and ensuring opportunity and justice for every Massachusetts resident.”
Past recipients include not only an array of the most famous names in Massachusetts and national politics, like Senator Elizabeth Warren, Governor Maura Healey, and Secretary John Kerry, but also one of the most iconic names in the general cultural sphere, singer and activist James Taylor.
The MassDems will also present the 2026 Ted Kennedy “Lion of Labor” Award to Jessica Tang, President of the American Federation of Teachers, Massachusetts. This award recognizes leaders, like Jessica, who have devoted their careers – and lives – to championing the rights of workers.
The 2026 Christopher Condon Activist Award will be presented to Minnah Sheikh. Minnah, like Condon himself, possesses a deep understanding of the power of people-led change. In her career thus far, Minah has worked to uplift underrepresented groups through grassroots organizing and an unrelenting commitment to justice.
The Roosevelt Awards Dinner is one of the signature events of the year for Massachusetts Democrats. The 2026 event will attract elected officials, community leaders, and grassroots activists from every corner of the Commonwealth. Last year's event was scheduled in June.
