Kamala Harris-Endorsed Candidate Faces Scrutiny Over Million-Dollar DC Home Far Outside District
Dan Koh, a former senior official in the Biden White House and Kamala Harris’s pick for Massachusetts’ 6th Congressional District, is under fire for owning a million-dollar home in Washington, D.C.—hundreds of miles from the district he hopes to represent. The controversy comes as Koh campaigns to succeed Democratic Rep. Seth Moulton, who is running for the Senate, in a crowded field of candidates.
Harris’s Endorsement
Vice President Kamala Harris endorsed Koh on October 28, calling him a “fighter” who “knows how to get things done.” Harris highlighted her experience working alongside Koh in the White House, emphasizing his commitment to making life better and more affordable for working families. Koh’s campaign noted that he is among the first candidates Harris has endorsed in the 2025-26 cycle, underscoring the race’s significance for Democrats.
The Home Ownership Controversy
According to records from the D.C. Office of Tax and Revenue, Koh and his wife purchased a $1.3 million home in a prestigious Capitol Hill neighborhood in 2022. Tax documents show that the couple still owns the property as of August. This revelation has drawn criticism from local Republicans, who question Koh’s ties to Massachusetts.
Amy Carnevale, chair of the Massachusetts Republican Party, accused Koh of following a pattern among Massachusetts Democrats of maintaining residences outside the state. She compared Koh’s situation to that of Senator Ed Markey, who is often dubbed the “Senator from Chevy Chase” due to his rare appearances in Massachusetts. “Living full-time in D.C. with a no-show house in Massachusetts seems to be a family tradition amongst MassDems,” Carnevale said. “Dan Koh is now looking to follow in that tradition. What a shame for actual residents of Massachusetts who deserve better.”
Koh’s Response
Koh’s campaign has pushed back against the criticism, asserting that Koh and his wife have lived full-time in their Andover, Massachusetts home—which sits within the 6th Congressional District—since purchasing it in 2019 for $810,000. A spokesperson explained that Koh resided in D.C. only during his tenure in the Biden-Harris administration, and that the family’s primary residence remains in Andover.
Koh, in a statement, expressed pride in Harris’s endorsement and pledged to deliver results for Massachusetts families. “I personally witnessed the Vice President’s tireless dedication to the American people every day in the administration,” Koh said. “I’ll be ready on day one to bring the same brand of leadership to Capitol Hill, getting to work to deliver results for families of our commonwealth and our country.”
Looking Ahead
As the campaign heats up, Koh’s residency and ties to Massachusetts are likely to remain a focal point for critics and voters alike. With the backing of Vice President Harris, Koh hopes to convince constituents that his leadership and experience in Washington will benefit the district he seeks to represent. The outcome of the race will not only decide who fills Moulton’s seat but may also reflect broader debates over political representation and local ties in American politics.
