LYNN – Two Lynn officials are seeking to unseat incumbent state Rep. Donald Wong in the race for the 9th Essex District, with each candidate making affordability a central issue ahead of the Sept. 1 Democratic primary.

Ward 1 City Councilor Dr. Peter Meaney and Lynn Inspectional Services Director Zosia VanMeter are challenging Wong, a Republican who has represented the district since 2011. The district includes Ward 1 in Lynn, Saugus, and Wakefield.

While the three candidates agree that Massachusetts’ high cost of living remains one of the district’s biggest challenges, each has proposed a different approach to addressing it.

Meaney said his campaign is centered on making state government more responsive to residents while tackling rising costs for working families. If elected, he said he would prioritize expanding universal pre-kindergarten, pursuing a moratorium or ban on large-scale data centers and addressing what he described as anticompetitive practices in the housing market.

With three young children, Meaney said affordable child care is one of the most pressing issues facing families.

“Unfortunately, Massachusetts has the highest daycare costs in the country,” Meaney said. “That’s not something to be proud of, and we’ve really got to give working families some relief.”

He also argued that large-scale data centers consume significant utilities while occupying land that could otherwise be used for housing.

“We have a housing crisis, so building these large-scale warehouses for computer hardware makes no sense,” Meaney said. “We really have to study this. We want a moratorium or even a ban on large-scale data centers.”

VanMeter said her campaign focuses on affordability, housing accessibility and environmental accountability, drawing on her experience in municipal government.

“I’m a lifelong North Shore resident, a mother, a neighbor, a community organizer and a public servant who seeks to lead change in our community,” VanMeter said.

While she supports increasing housing production, VanMeter said new construction alone will not solve the state’s housing shortage.

The Healey-Driscoll administration has estimated Massachusetts needs more than 220,000 additional housing units by 2035 to meet demand. VanMeter said municipalities also need additional tools, including stronger inclusionary zoning policies, neighborhood revitalization efforts and effective assistance programs for first-time homebuyers.

“I’m a firm believer that we cannot simply build our way out of this crisis,” VanMeter said. “Municipalities need some bold and creative moves that will work alongside current development.”

She also said she would advocate for programs that help older residents remain in their homes by expanding access to loans for accessibility improvements.

“Only 10% of American homes are actually aging ready,” VanMeter said. “I would love to see an increase in access to loan programs that allow seniors to update their homes to fit their changing needs because aging in place means aging with dignity.”

Beyond housing, VanMeter said she wants stronger oversight of WIN Waste Innovations in Saugus and believes the company should develop a more aggressive plan to reduce emissions and eventually close the facility.

Wong, who is seeking another term, said he wants to continue the work he has done during more than a decade in the Legislature.

“I remain committed to being a strong voice for the people of the Ninth Essex District and to addressing the issues that matter most to our families and businesses,” Wong said.

Wong said his priorities include securing additional state investments for local communities, supporting public safety, improving transportation infrastructure, assisting veterans and seniors, investing in schools and helping small businesses grow. He also pointed to his bipartisan approach to legislating.

“Throughout my time in the Legislature, I have worked across party lines to solve problems, secure resources for our district and advocate for responsible government,” Wong said. “I believe effective leadership is built on respect, accountability, transparency and a willingness to listen to every constituent, regardless of political affiliation.”

The Democratic primary will be held Sept. 1. Voters must register or change their party affiliation by Aug. 22 at 5 p.m. Early voting will take place Aug. 22 through Aug. 28 at Lynn City Hall, and applications for mail-in ballots must be submitted by Aug. 25.