Cape and Islands State Representative Tim Madden announced Thursday afternoon that he will not seek reelection in November.
Mr. Madden said in a press release that the announcement was made “with mixed emotions,” but that he is instead electing to spend more time at his home in Nantucket with his family and pets.
“It has been a privilege and an honor to serve as Representative for the Cape and Islands over the past several years,” Mr.. Madden said. “I truly believe it is the most special district in the Commonwealth. Not only is it beautiful, but it has some of the most bright, caring and conscientious constituents one could hope to represent.”
He thanked the people in his district for the “support, friendship, and kindness” he experienced during his tenure at the Massachusetts State House.
Mr. Madden assured constituents that he will fulfill his duties through the rest of his term.
“I will be available to provide any assistance that the residents of my district may need through the end of this year,” Mr. Madden said.
Mr. Madden was the first island resident to be elected to the state legislature since Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket lost their seats in redistricting almost 40 years ago.
The district encompasses Nantucket, Martha’s Vineyard, the Elizabeth Islands, and four Falmouth precincts that include the village of Woods Hole. Mr. Madden was first elected in 2008 following the retirement of longtime Rep. Eric Turkington, a Democrat from Falmouth who occupied the seat for 20 years.
In December, Oak Bluffs resident and planning board member Ewell Hopkins announced that he will run as a Democrat for the seat in the Massachusetts House of Representatives currently occupied by Mr. Madden.
In a conversation with The Times Thursday evening, Mr. Hopkins expressed his surprise about Mr. Madden’s decision.
“I had no idea,” Mr. Hopkins said. “As I’ve stated before, my decision to run was independent of whoever else was in the race. But I had no idea. Wow.”
The state primary is Sept. 8, 2016. The general election is Nov. 8.
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