Early names emerge in race to succeed Sen. Harriette Chandler
WORCESTER — Moments after state Sen. Harriette Chandler announced Wednesday that she will not seek reelection, state Rep. David LeBoeuf said he is considering a run for the seat and others could be soon to follow — including Mayor Joseph M. Petty.
LeBoeuf, of the 17th Worcester District, released a statement both honoring Chandler's career and announcing that he was considering running for the seat of the senator whose 2014 reelection campaign he managed.
"We’re losing a tremendous advocate for our district and an incredible state lawmaker. Sen. Harriette Chandler’s record speaks for itself, and I’m grateful to have been able to work with her as the manager of her 2014 reelection campaign, as her colleague in the Worcester legislative delegation, and as a friend," LeBoeuf said.
Observers of Central Massachusetts have been circulating Petty as a name in contention for Chandler's seat. A statement from Petty's office on Wednesday stuck to praising Chandler.
"For over three decades, Sen. Chandler has been a champion for progressive causes like a woman’s right to choose, dental health access and more equitable school funding across the commonwealth. As the first woman elected to the Senate from the city of Worcester, Sen. Chandler has been a constant voice of compassion and equity on the state level," Petty said.
In his statement, LeBoeuf made it clear that he was considering running for Chandler's seat.
"I want to be straightforward in saying that I’m seriously considering running. In the calls and conversations I've had, the most immediate concern I’m hearing right now is that we’re losing the incredible sway and influence that Sen. Chandler has won for Central Mass. through her lawmaking experience and high position of leadership," LeBoeuf said.
"In the Senate, I believe I would be uniquely capable of hitting the ground running because of my strong existing relationships with fellow lawmakers across the state, my understanding as state representative for Worcester and Leicester of what it means to serve not just the city but also the towns in this district, and my deep understanding of the legislative process."
In a call to Petty Wednesday, the mayor said that the week belonged to Chandler. Petty's office also released a statement praising Chandler.
"As Harlee (Chandler) liked to joke, it’s a great irony that generations of powerful men have gone to Beacon Hill from the city of Worcester, but in the end a Jewish grandmother would be the one to have her portrait hang in the Statehouse," Petty's statement said.
Chandler has served the 1st Worcester District since 2001. In an interview with the Telegram and at her press conference, Chandler said she would not be making any endorsements in the race to succeed her.
The 1st Worcester District includes much of Worcester and Boylston, Berlin, Bolton, Northborough and West Boylston.
Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce President & CEO and former Lt. Gov. Timothy P. Murray said he hoped the next few days could be spent celebrating Chandler's legacy.
He added that any successor may need some time to reach the stature Chandler achieved. Chandler has had multiple positions in Senate leadership, including serving as Senate president from 2017 to 2018.
"I'm not sure if anybody's going to be immediately able to fill her shoes," Murray said.
Along with LeBoeuf, other state representatives that reside in the 1st Worcester District include Democrat James O'Day of West Boylston, Democrat Megan Kilcoyne of Northborough and Democrat Mary Keefe of Worcester.
This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: State Rep. David LeBoeuf, Worcester Mayor Joseph Petty could run in race to succeed Sen. Harriette Chandler
