Tom Melville Calls for Six Debates Across the 9th Norfolk District

Democratic candidate challenges Rep. Marcus Vaughn to one public debate in each of the district’s six towns

MEDFIELD, MA -– September 9, 2026 – Democratic candidate for state representative Tom Melville today called on Rep. Marcus Vaughn to participate in six public debates, proposing one debate in each of the six towns in the 9th Norfolk District: Wrentham, Norfolk, Plainville, Medfield, Millis and Walpole.

“As a career journalist, I believe deeply in the importance of giving voters access to information about the people asking to represent them,” Melville said. “At a time when many communities have fewer local news resources covering their elections and local government, it is even more important that candidates make themselves available, answer questions, and give voters a clear understanding of where they stand.”

The Melville campaign is proposing six public debates with Vaughn before the November 3rd election, with dates, locations, and formats to be mutually agreed upon by the campaigns. Melville said the debates should be substantive and respectful, and provide voters an opportunity to compare the candidates’ records, priorities, and plans for representing the district on Beacon Hill.

Melville has made accessibility, transparency, and full-time representation central themes of his campaign. He has pledged to hold weekly office hours rotating throughout the district and to report monthly to residents on each vote he has taken and why. Those commitments echo the campaign’s broader emphasis on showing up in every community, being transparent, and being accountable. Melville supports the audit of the legislature, stronger public records laws and strong public meetings laws.

The call for debates also comes as Melville draws a contrast with Vaughn’s attendance record on Beacon Hill. Last year, Vaughn ranked number one – out of 160 representatives in the Massachusetts House – in missed votes, tied with one other state representative.

“Showing up, listening, and being accountable are fundamental to public service,” Melville said. “Voters deserve the opportunity to question both of us, compare our records, and hear our ideas directly. I hope Rep. Vaughn accepts and joins me in giving the people of the 9th Norfolk that opportunity in every community.”

If Vaughn declines the invitation, Melville said he will still hold an open public forum in each community to ensure residents have a chance to engage with him directly.

About Tom Melville
Career journalist Tom Melville is the Democratic candidate for Massachusetts State Representative in the Ninth Norfolk District. Former Executive News Director at WBUR and News Director at NECN, Melville is a licensed Massachusetts attorney, former United States  Peace Corps Volunteer, and longtime community volunteer. He is running to bring accessible, transparent and responsive representation to the district, with a focus on affordability, education, healthcare, housing and ensuring the district’s communities have a strong voice on Beacon Hill.

For more information about Tom Melville and to keep up with the campaign, visit electmelville.com and follow the campaign on Instagram and Facebook.

Campaign Contact: 

Lucy Bullock-Sieger, Campaign Manager
Lucy@Electmelville.com