Massachusetts state Rep. Carl Sciortino (D) posted an announcement on his Facebook page Friday, stating his intention to run for U.S. Rep. Edward Markey's seat if the Democratic congressman is successful in his Senate bid.
The announcement marks an early play for a seat that has yet to be vacated, but would be if Markey wins the special election to replace Secretary of State John Kerry in June. Kerry, also a Democrat, served as senior senator from the Bay State until he was sworn in to his new post on Feb. 1.
Sciortino is one of the few openly gay members in the state legislature and has made significant milestones since joining the Massachusetts House of Representatives in 2005. During his first term, he helped pass legislation that protected women entering reproductive health care facilities, legislation for the creation of affordable housing for senior citizens, and the Transgender Equal Rights Law.
“I am running to continue the strong progressive leadership that the families of the Fifth District have always counted on,” Sciortino said in a statement. “I look forward to bringing my record of accomplishment to Washington to fight for our progressive values.”
Sciortino campaigned for Markey over the weekend, collecting signatures on his Facebook page, The Hill reports.
Markey stated his intent to run for Kerry's seat in December, followed by bids from U.S. Rep. Stephen Lynch (D-Mass.) and state Rep. Dan Winslow (R-Norfolk).
Former Sen. Scott Brown (R-Mass.) announced earlier this month that he would not be running for Senate. However, Brown is still keeping his options open for next year, according to CNN.
"I'm going to see what happens," Brown told WSHM-TV, a CNN affiliate. "I know there are a lot of good candidates looking at it."
Before You Go
