Slavit Baylis Press Release
Updated: Apr 11, 2022
Long-time Democratic Activist and Attorney Will Seek to Represent Marblehead,
Swampscott and Lynn in the Massachusetts House of Representatives
For Immediate Release:
Date: 3/9/2022
Contact: Angus McQuilken, 508-277-1133, agmcquilken@gmail.com
Marblehead, MA –Long-time Democratic activist and attorney Diann Slavit Baylis announced
today that she will run for the open State Representative seat in the 8th Essex District,
encompassing Marblehead, Swampscott and two precincts in Lynn. Slavit Baylis, who lives in
Marblehead, is a former staff member for the Massachusetts Democratic Party, and an attorney
focused on immigration law. She has been an active voice in efforts to prevent gun violence in
Massachusetts. Slavit Baylis is also a volunteer fundraiser for the Alzheimer’s Association, and
was a cast member in the PBS documentary Divided We Fall.
In announcing her candidacy Slavit Baylis, an avid surfer, indicated that she will focus on
environmental protection and the climate crisis, building on the excellent work of outgoing State
Representative Lori Ehrlich. A mother and step-mother to four children, Slavit Baylis will also
prioritize state education funding for both urban and suburban school districts, along with school
safety and access to mental health supports for our youth. Slavit Baylis also identified regional
economic recovery from the COVID pandemic, strengthening the state’s innovation economy
and transportation infrastructure as key priorities.
Slavit Baylis, born in Haverhill, is the youngest daughter of former Haverhill Harbormaster Red
Slavit. She is a graduate of Merrimack College, and Suffolk Law School. She has her own legal
practice focused on immigration, litigation and family law. She has been an active voice in
support of 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.
“I'm running for State Representative because we need strong and active leadership in order to
make progress on the many challenges that we face in Marblehead, Swampscott and Lynn, now
and in the future,” said Slavit Baylis. “As the Representative for this district I will work hard
each and every day to bring about the progress and change that we need in protecting our
environment, supporting our schools and our young people, and strengthening our economy and
transportation infrastructure.”
“I come from a tradition of public service,” said Slavit Baylis. “My father, Harbormaster Red
Slavit, saved more than 160 lives during his service to the City of Haverhill. Serving as State
Representative will allow me to follow in that tradition and improve the lives of the people of the
8th Essex District.”