BREAKING NEWS: Malden State Sen. Jason Lewis will not seek reelection this fall

Longtime pol represented local Fifth District for 12 years, has spearheaded landmark legislation in education, health, wages

By Steve Freker

State Sen. Jason Lewis (D-Mass., 5th Middlesex) announced Monday he would not seek reelection to a seventh term in this fall’s state election.

Senator Lewis is regarded as one of the most well-known and influential members of the Massachusetts State Senate whose political achievements have run the gamut from wage and health legislation to landmark education laws and infrastructure improvements. He has represented the city of Malden and five other communities that comprise the Fifth Middlesex District for the past 12 years, after winning a close final election over Melrose Republican Monica Medeiros in 2014. In addition to Malden — the largest community in the Fifth Middlesex — Senator Lewis also represents the city of Melrose and the towns of Stoneham, Reading and Wakefield and about half of Winchester (precincts 1, 2, 3 and 8).

Senator Lewis announced his decision to not seek reelection this fall in a letter to constituents published on his personal website (senatorjasonlewis.com) and released to the media on Monday. “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,” Senator Lewis stated in the letter. “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.”

Senator Lewis has spearheaded numerous, high-profile State House initiatives, some of which have been regarded as landmark legislation, such as the Student Opportunity Act of 2019, legislation to ensure that every child in Massachusetts has access to a high-quality public education, and the Fair Share Amendment of 2022, also known as “the millionaires’ tax,” to support transportation and public education; as well as socially progressive initiatives, such as universal paid family and medical leave and increasing the minimum wage. He touched on these and other legislative accomplishments, such as “strengthening early education and childcare, and Alzheimer’s treatment—[legislation 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 [in Malden], renovating the Winchester Center Commuter Rail Station, building many new schools, and more,” Senator Lewis added. “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.”

He acknowledged the contributions of all who have made his mission at the State House progress. “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.”

The Senator pledged to serve out his term before embarking on “a new chapter.” “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.”

Senator Lewis is a longtime Winchester resident and former Winchester state representative and Town Meeting member who succeeded U.S. Rep. Katherine Clark, D-5th District) in the Mass. Senate when the present U.S. House Minority whip left for Washington, D.C., after winning election to Congress.

Now in his last year in office, Senator Lewis expressed criticism for the leadership in the White House as he departs. “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.”