Meet Craig Swallow
Candidate for U.S. Congress, Massachusetts District 9
Rooted in the Coast. Ready to Serve.
Born and raised in New Bedford, Massachusetts, Craig Swallow embodies the promise of a brighter future for Massachusetts’ 9th District. As a proud working-class candidate, Craig’s story is deeply rooted in the experiences of immigrant families. His grandparents and mother fled Portugal in the 1960s, escaping authoritarian policies in search of freedom and the promise of a more prosperous future in the United States. Craig’s upbringing was shaped by the values his mother and father instilled: hard work, resilience, and commitment to supporting working families.
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Growing up Craig attended New Bedford Public Schools and shaped a strong work ethic early, with his first job as a housekeeper at Alden Court Nursing Home in Fairhaven. This experience sparked a lifelong respect for seniors and ignited his commitment to ensuring dignity in retirement for community elders.
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Craig’s early experiences caring for others laid the foundation for one of his core passions: healthcare. Growing up, he was deeply influenced by his mother and stepfather, both devoted healthcare providers, who exemplified the power of compassion and service. Their dedication to improving the lives of others instilled in Craig a profound understanding of the critical role accessible, affordable healthcare plays in building strong, thriving communities.
Education has always been a cornerstone of Craig’s journey. While pursuing his education at Bristol Community College and Bridgewater State University he returned to New Bedford High as a substitute teacher before moving to Dartmouth High to complete his student teaching program. Building on his dedication to service and community, Craig’s professional journey led him into the hospitality industry. In 2013, Craig relocated to New York City to serve as Bar Manager at Fire Island Pines. His ability to foster camaraderie and mentor colleagues earned him widespread respect in the fast-paced service sector. It’s during this time when he also met his husband, Mike. Together, they adopted their first dog Omaha and began building a life centered on family, service, & community. During the pandemic, Craig returned to teaching, sharing his knowledge of U.S. History and Government at Success Academy Charter Schools in New York City.
Upon returning to Massachusetts in November 2023, Craig & Mike reconnected with the SouthCoast, adopted a rescue dog named Ruth and became deeply involved in the community. As General Manager at Rose Alley Ale House, Craig played a pivotal role in launching the popular cocktail lounge concept “Subrosa”. It was through his role at Rose Alley that Craig first learned about Indivisible, an organization he would later help co-lead a local chapter; further deepening his commitment to driving meaningful change. Through his work with Indivisible and his passion for uplifting others, Craig has quickly established himself as a trusted advocate for the people of his community.
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Now, as a candidate for Congress, Craig Swallow is ready to champion the working class. His platform is built on the belief that healthcare is a right, not a privilege, and is driven by a commitment to education, equity, and opportunity. Craig embodies a new generation of leadership, one that truly understands the challenges faced by everyday Americans. He is determined to restore trust in the democratic process, ensuring every vote holds the power to shape a future where all can thrive.
