Taunton's veteran state Sen. Marc Pacheco will not run for re-election. What we know

Taunton's veteran state Sen. Marc Pacheco — the longest-serving member of the state Senate — will not seek re-election this fall after all.

"I make this decision with a heart full of gratitude for the opportunities I have had to serve in the Massachusetts state Legislature, and with sincere gratitude to everyone who has supported me throughout this incredible journey," the Taunton Democrat wrote in a letter posted on Facebook Tuesday evening, Feb. 13.

Just a week ago, Pacheco's Chief of Staff Mary Wasylyk, told the State House News Service her "understanding is the Senator has every intention on running for reelection."

Pacheco noted this in his announcement that he is not seeking re-election, saying, "Although two articles have been published stating otherwise, they were published without speaking directly to me!"

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Pacheco, who has held the state Senate seat since 1993, does not rule out future jobs in public office.

"This decision does not mean I'm closing the door on other existing or future electoral or appointed positions in public service," Pacheco said in his announcement.

Pacheco — who is "dean" of the Senate by virtue of being the longest serving member — has previously been in the running for a high-level post at Bridgewater State University. And there was an unsuccessful push years ago to have him named ambassador to Portugal under President Barack Obama.

Which cities and towns does Pacheco represent?

Pacheco represents the Third Bristol and Plymouth district which consists of the city of Taunton and the towns of Berkley, Dighton, Raynham, Rehoboth and Seekonk in Bristol County and Carver, Marion, Middleboro and Wareham in Plymouth County.

Pacheco touts accomplishments

Pacheco highlighted some of the achievements he is most proud of during his decades in the legislature, including the so-called "Pacheco Law," which requires specific steps be taken before a public service can be privatized; leading the effort to update the manufactured home law "putting consumer rights back on the side of the community residents, protecting them from unscrupulous owners"; and leading the effort to keep Taunton State Hospital open, among others.

Pacheco also touted his extensive work on climate change as the founding chair of the Senate Committee on Global Warming and Climate Change. Pacheco called it "such an important issue not only for the future of our Commonwealth but for our standing internationally."

"I have always been proudest of the work that I have done at the local level securing multimillions of dollars for the construction of numerous schools, funding for libraries, seniors, improvements to parks, recreational areas and infrastructure across the district, too many highlights to mention here. Most importantly, I am proud of the work my office has done in serving the individual needs of our constituents," Pacheco said in his announcement.

When are the primary and general elections?

The primary election is on Tuesday, Sept. 3. The general election is on Tuesday, Nov. 5. No candidates have pulled or submitted nomination papers as of Wednesday morning, Feb. 14, according elections division of the Massachusetts Secretary of State's Office.

This story will be updated.

This article originally appeared on The Enterprise: Taunton state Sen. Marc Pacheco not running for re-election