Senator Jason Lewis Announces Retirement from the Massachusetts Senate

Dear friends,

After almost 12 years of proudly representing the Fifth Middlesex District, I have made the difficult decision not to run for re-election to the state Senate this year.

Serving in the Senate and previously in the House of Representatives has been a great privilege. I am truly grateful to the voters who placed their faith in me in numerous elections. I have had the opportunity to work on impactful legislation—like universal paid family and medical leave, increasing the minimum wage, the Student Opportunity Act, the Fair Share Amendment, strengthening early education and childcare, and Alzheimer's treatment—that has improved the lives of my constituents and residents across the Commonwealth. I have also been able to partner with community groups to pursue exciting local projects, including constructing the Tri-Community Greenway, opening the Bridge Recovery Center, renovating the Winchester Center Commuter Rail Station, building many new schools, and more. It has also been very rewarding to provide constituent services that have helped people access healthcare, unemployment insurance, housing assistance, and resolve other issues that they are struggling with.

I have certainly not done this work alone! I appreciate the hard-working and talented staff that have been part of my team over the years, my wonderful colleagues in the House and Senate, dedicated state and municipal public sector employees, inspiring citizen advocates and activists, and others who care deeply about public service and strengthening our communities. We have made a good team.

I look forward to continuing to serve my constituents until the last day of this legislative term. After that I will begin a new chapter in my life, one in which I will find new ways to make a meaningful impact.

Finally, I want to acknowledge how disheartening it has been to see a profession that I greatly respect—public service—be so utterly corrupted, abused, and debased by Donald Trump and his cronies. Since he was re-elected, I have struggled to maintain my optimism; but I draw strength and hope for our future from the many amazing people that I have had the great fortune to work with. I know firsthand their determination, integrity, resilience, compassion, and courage. Together, we will continue to strive for greater justice, equity, and opportunity for all.

State Senator Jason Lewis