Radio host eyes new gig on Hill
Mulls run for Tsongas seat
Radio personality and restaurateur Greg Hill is exploring a run for U.S. Rep. Niki Tsongas’ open seat, including meeting with party leaders and officials, according to people close to the Stow Republican.
Hill, best known as the host of “The Hill-Man Morning Show” on WAAF, has been in “serious” discussions about a potential campaign, according to a spokesman, who described Hill as being in the “process of gathering information.”
“Greg is exploring all of his options, including running for the open congressional seat,” said Lawrence Army Jr., an attorney who is serving as Hill’s spokesman. Army pointed to Hill’s philanthropic work through the Greg Hill Foundation, which he founded in 2010 to raise money for families hit by tragedies.
“Public service would be a logical next step for Greg,” he said. “He is considering whether it would be the best way to give back to a community that’s given him so much.”
Hill has met with staff at the state Republican party, as well as Jim Conroy, who managed Gov. Charlie Baker’s successful 2014 run. Hill has public ties to Baker, who has regularly appeared on Hill’s morning show since taking office and has attended events for Hill’s foundation. Army said the two have known each other for “many years.”
His charitable organization — which raised roughly $252,000 in 2015 — matches donations made by Hill’s listeners, according to the nonprofit’s public filings, and has raised money for families of Boston Marathon victims, among others.
Hill is also the founder of the restaurant company, Whole House Group, LLC, which includes Battle Road Brewing Co. in Maynard, 29 Sudbury and the Waltham steakhouse, Flank.
His potential entrance adds another name to a crowded list of possible candidates in both parties.
Fellow Republican and Pepperell businessman Rick Green is also considering a run after earlier this year weighing, but ultimately choosing against, a challenge to U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren.
On the Democratic side, Daniel Koh — the outgoing chief of staff to Mayor Martin J. Walsh — is prepping a campaign. Others looking at the race include state Sens. Eileen Donoghue and Barbara L’Italien; Ellen Murphy Meehan, the ex-wife of former U.S. Rep. Martin Meehan; and Steve Kerrigan, a past lieutenant governor nominee.