A former aide to President Joe Biden has won a competitive primary race in Massachusetts, positioning himself for election to the House of Representatives in November. Dan Koh emerged as the leading candidate among six contenders aiming to replace Rep. Seth Moulton in the state’s 6th Congressional District. Moulton had vacated his seat for an unsuccessful Senate bid against Sen. Ed Markey.

Koh enjoyed the support of President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris. His relationship with the White House stems from his previous roles as chief of staff to Labor Secretary Marty Walsh and a deputy role within the White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs.

BIDEN INTERVENES IN DEM CONGRESSIONAL PRIMARY, WARNING ALL ‘WE DID TO HELP ORDINARY PEOPLE IS IN JEOPARDY NOW’

Koh’s recent primary success follows a close loss in 2018 for the Democratic nomination in Massachusetts’ 3rd Congressional District. His campaign this time focuses on progressive ideals, including abolishing Immigration and Customs Enforcement, known as “Trump’s ICE,” and implementing universal healthcare.

Moulton had represented the district since 2015 and served in the Marine Corps. His Senate campaign against the 80-year-old Markey, who has been in office since 2013, was charged with rivalry and a push for generational change. Despite the challenge, Markey retained significant support from figures like Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Sen. Bernie Sanders.

Koh is seen as a member of the establishment left, with familial ties to federal service. His father, Howard Koh, held a senior role in the Department of Health and Human Services under President Barack Obama.

For the upcoming general election, Koh will face Micah Jones, a Republican military veteran who runs unopposed in his primary. Koh’s backing by influential Democrats and his links to notable political figures position him as a strong contender in the safe blue district.