When I read the headline: could it be? Are socon socdems finally threading the needle?
When I read the article:
Jeff Turco, a self-described “Reagan Democrat”
Ugh.
I read more into his background and he does appear to be somewhat populist, although he donated to Susan Collins and Lindsey Graham. He is a Trump/Biden voter who opposes raising gas tax or making MA a sanctuary state, but supports investment to ensure more and cheaper public transport. He also supports the millionaires' income tax movement (a proposed 4% income tax surcharge for annual incomes > $1million), and was supported by police and firefighter unions.
He won his primary thanks to richer areas, but it'll be interesting to see what the GE map looks like (although, as a special election, it's bound to look a bit odd). A progressive would have been better, but if he proves to be a lefty cloaking himself in moderate rhetoric, he'll at least be an interesting answer to Charlie Baker.
Republicans running as Democrats in Massachusetts is nothing new. If only one party can realistically get elected, any ambitious politician (unless they're running for Governor) is going to join that party. See also Rhode Island and Hawaii.
