"As DC politicians wage attacks on access to reproductive health care and comprehensive sex education, we need leaders like Chris Hendricks to defend Massachusetts and push our state forward. Chris Hendricks will fight for policies that strengthen reproductive rights and eliminate barriers to vital health care to ensure everyone has access to the care they need.

The people of Massachusetts are fed up with politicians playing games with their health and rights and want leaders who will put people first. The stakes have never been higher in the fight for reproductive rights and health care access, and the Planned Parent Advocacy Fund is proud to endorse and fight alongside Chris Hendricks."

- Dr Jennifer Childs-Roshak, President and CEO of the Planned Parenthood Advocacy Fund of Massachusetts.

By Michael Bonner, South Coast Today. July 27, 2018.

NEW BEDFORD — When Bob Koczera was first elected as a public official in 1984, Chris Hendricks was about a year old.

In September, Hendricks will experience his first election in a primary for the 11th Bristol District, a seat currently held by Koczera.

“I always saw myself getting into politics in one way or another at some point,” Hendricks said. “I didn’t expect it to be this soon, but with all that’s happened since 2015 and 16 with Donald Trump and, in my opinion, rise of national populism, I think we’re heading into a very scary point right now. I wasn’t going to be comfortable not doing anything.”

Even though most of the local incumbents are running opposed, there are a few who have drawn opponents that could be interesting.

Twenty-nine year incumbent Rep. Bob Koczera has drawn an opponent in 35-year-old Chris Hendricks, a North End attorney who represents injured workers at the Department of Industrial Accidents. Hendricks, an energetic young guy, says he’s been motivated against the national populism of Donald Trump. He talks about doing so much door-to-door campaigning that he’s coming back to folks a second time.