Shepard Will Seek Robinson's State House Seat In 2022

FRAMINGHAM, MA — Former Framingham City Councilor Margareth Shepard will seek a state House seat expected to become vacant in 2022 due to a federal appointment.

State Rep. Maria Robinson, who represents the 6th Middlesex District, is heading toward an appointment as an assistant secretary in the U.S. Department of Energy. That will leave her seat vacant approaching the November election.

Margareth Shepard, who spent two terms as the District 7 Councilor, announced her bid to run for Robinson's seat on Friday.

“I’m a doer, not a talker," she said in a news release. "I get results by listening, identifying opportunities, and then pursuing them until they become realities that improve lives. When we work together, we all benefit. I ask others to join me by signing up to work on and donate to the campaign. Let’s get started. Now. Together."

Shepard was the first Brazilian-American popularly elected to a city council seat in the U.S. Before Framingham's transition to a city, Shepard was a Town Meeting member. She is also the founder of the Brazilians for Political Education movement and a board member and Secretary of the Brazilian American Center (BRACE).

Robinson's 6th Middlesex District changed recently after the 2020 U.S. Census figures were released. The district now encompasses a majority-minority area largely south of Route 9 along the Ashland and Natick lines.