Cambridge, September 30, 2025
News Summary
The Harvard College Democrats have officially endorsed City Council candidates Ayah Al-Zubi and Stanislav Rivkin, as well as School Committee challenger Caitlin E. Dube. This endorsement is aimed at motivating students to engage in local politics and support essential community issues, including affordable housing and bicycle safety. The candidates were selected through a nomination process where they required at least two-thirds support from the club’s full membership. This marks the organization’s ongoing commitment to fostering political engagement among students.
Cambridge — Harvard College Democrats endorsed City Council candidates Ayah Al-Zubi ’23 and Stanislav Rivkin, and School Committee challenger Caitlin E. Dube ’05.
Key details
The endorsement was announced via a Friday Instagram post by the club. Candidates were nominated through a questionnaire and had to receive at least two-thirds of support from the full membership to be endorsed. The club aims to motivate students to get involved in local politics, emphasizing the importance of supporting local candidates.
Who endorsed whom and why
Harvard College Democrats typically endorse candidates for Congressional or presidential races but have participated in local races for years. The club endorsed five Cambridge City Council candidates in 2021 and supported Evan C. MacKay ’19 in his unsuccessful run for state representative.
Current slate
Harvard College Democrats endorsed City Council candidates Ayah Al-Zubi ’23 and Stanislav Rivkin, and School Committee challenger Caitlin E. Dube ’05. Al-Zubi previously received the Harvard College Democrats’ endorsement when she ran for City Council in 2023.
Local partnerships and reactions
Both Al-Zubi and Rivkin have been endorsed by Cambridge Bicycle Safety, a super PAC advocating for cyclist safety and expanded bicycle lanes. Rivkin expressed the importance of grassroots efforts to counteract super PAC influence in local politics and anticipates needed support from the Harvard Democrats to strengthen their campaign. Dube hopes the endorsement will help increase awareness and excitement for her campaign among Harvard students.
Organization perspective and priorities
Mandy Zhang ’27, president of Harvard College Democrats, stated the candidates reflect the progressive leadership needed in Cambridge. The club aims to encourage engagement in local politics, recognizing the critical role of young individuals in the civic sphere. The club is engaged in promoting candidates who focus on local and affordable housing issues in an expensive market.
Process and student engagement
Candidates were nominated through a questionnaire and had to receive at least two-thirds of support from the full membership to be endorsed. The organization highlighted the selection process as a way to involve members in vetting candidates and to focus attention on local issues that directly impact students and residents.
What this means for the race
The endorsements add an organized student group’s backing to candidates in a municipal contest where volunteer outreach and neighborhood-level campaigning can be decisive. Endorsements from student organizations and local super PACs may increase visibility among specific constituencies, including younger voters and cyclists. Campaigns that receive these endorsements may emphasize issues such as affordable housing and bicycle safety as part of their voter outreach.
Next steps for campaigns and the club
Candidates endorsed by the club will continue canvassing, attending community events, and seeking broader support across Cambridge neighborhoods. The Harvard College Democrats plan to mobilize students and volunteers to raise awareness of endorsed candidates and the local issues the club has prioritized.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which candidates did Harvard College Democrats endorse?
Harvard College Democrats endorsed City Council candidates Ayah Al-Zubi ’23 and Stanislav Rivkin, and School Committee challenger Caitlin E. Dube ’05.
How was the endorsement announced?
The endorsement was announced via a Friday Instagram post by the club.
How were candidates chosen for endorsement?
Candidates were nominated through a questionnaire and had to receive at least two-thirds of support from the full membership to be endorsed.
What is the club’s broader goal with this endorsement?
The club aims to motivate students to get involved in local politics, emphasizing the importance of supporting local candidates.
Does the Harvard College Democrats usually endorse local races?
Harvard College Democrats typically endorse candidates for Congressional or presidential races but have participated in local races for years.
Has the club endorsed other local candidates before?
The club endorsed five Cambridge City Council candidates in 2021 and supported Evan C. MacKay ’19 in his unsuccessful run for state representative.
Have any of the endorsed candidates received other endorsements?
Both Al-Zubi and Rivkin have been endorsed by Cambridge Bicycle Safety, a super PAC advocating for cyclist safety and expanded bicycle lanes.
What did Rivkin say about campaign influence?
Rivkin expressed the importance of grassroots efforts to counteract super PAC influence in local politics.
What does Dube hope the endorsement will achieve?
Dube hopes the endorsement will help increase awareness and excitement for her campaign among Harvard students.
What broader issues does the club emphasize?
The club is engaged in promoting candidates who focus on local and affordable housing issues in an expensive market.
Quick reference table
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| City | Cambridge |
| Endorsing group | Harvard College Democrats |
| Endorsement announcement | Friday Instagram post by the club |
| Candidates endorsed | Ayah Al-Zubi ’23; Stanislav Rivkin; Caitlin E. Dube ’05 |
| Selection method | Questionnaire and at least two-thirds full membership support |
| Club president | Mandy Zhang ’27 |
| Related endorsements | Cambridge Bicycle Safety endorsement for Al-Zubi and Rivkin |
| Key focus areas | Local and affordable housing; student engagement; bicycle safety |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Boston’s Education Budget Suffers as $106 Million in Grants Cut
Additional Resources
- The Crimson: Harvard College Democrats Endorsed Candidates
- Wikipedia: Cambridge, Massachusetts
- Cambridge Day: Coming to Cambridge City Council
- Google Search: Cambridge City Council
- The Crimson: Cambridge Councilor Zuby
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Council
- Boston.com: Cambridge City Council Calls on Harvard
- Google News: Cambridge City Council Elections
- Cambridge Day: Harvard Square Traffic Plan
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