Jeromie Whalen is a political newcomer challenging the dean of the Massachusetts Congressional delegation.

Whalen is a candidate for the Democratic nomination for the First Massachusetts Congressional District, a seat currently occupied by Richard Neal who has served in Congress since 1989. Whalen was raised in Belchertown and currently resides in South Hadley. He is a teacher at Northampton High School.

Spectrum News met up with Whalen in Ludlow to discuss his campaign. Whalen on why he's running, "The current congressman has been there for 37 years and I'm 39 years old and over that time, you have to ask the question, has your life gotten better? And I can't say for certain to either myself and definitely not to younger generations that are coming in. And so what you're seeing right now is a wave of frustration that belies mobilization and activation of new, fresh ideas. We are a younger generation of leadership and we are bridging the gap between an older and younger generation."

When asked if he identifies himself as a Democratic Socialist Whalen answered, "I don't consider myself a Democratic Socialist. We're not endorsed by the DSA. I consider myself a high school teacher that had enough with the political establishment that wasn't getting the things that I needed in life. And so when we talk about true grassroots, that is free from any party ideology. It's actually looking out for the best interests of your constituents. And that's what we do day in and day out."

The Massachusetts Primary Election is Tuesday, September 1st. Early voting is currently underway in the Commonwealth and runs through August 28th.