Politics Suffolk DA candidates dispute ethics, transparency, experience at Roxbury debate Incumbent Kevin Hayden and Rachael Rollins challenged each other's judgment and records while Linda Champion cast herself as the steady alternative. Former U.S. Attorney Rachael Rollins at the 2026 Suffolk County district attorney debate in Roxbury. Rollins, who served as district attorney from 2019 to 2022 before becoming U.S. attorney for Massachusetts, is looking to reclaim her former job. She emphasized the district attorney must have the “temperament” to exercise the office’s authority responsibly. All three candidates spent much of the debate arguing that their professional experience made them the most qualified to serve as Suffolk County district attorney.