Ted Philips Running For State Rep. In 8th Norfolk District

STOUGHTON, MA — With State Rep. Lou Kafka, D-Stoughton, planning to retire in 2021, his longtime staff member will run to take his place. Ted Philips, Kafka's staff director, announced his campaign to be the next representative for the 8th Norfolk District.

Philips, a Sharon resident, spent the last 13 years working for Kafka, and during that time, rose up the ranks from legislative aide to committee director and then staff director.

Philips on his campaign website said he played an important role in helping Kafka pass laws ensuring insurance coverage for children with cleft palate and cleft lip, providing emergency access to restrooms for Crohn's and Colitis patients, requiring police departments to be notified when licenses are suspended in their jurisdictions and curbing animal cruelty in the Commonwealth.

Philips said his campaign will focus on improving public transportation, elder care and economic development. In Stoughton specifically, Phillips named developing the downtown as a priority to unlock its "development potential."

So far, Philips is the only candidate to announce his candidacy in the district. The district hasn't seen a competitive election since 1992. Kafka has served as the districts state representative since 1990.