For the second time in as many days, a state legislator from western Massachusetts has announced they will not be seeking re-election in the fall. State Rep. Jose Tosado of Springfield said Wednesday he is retiring.
Tosado has held the 9th Hampden District seat for three terms, which includes a large part of Springfield, along with one precinct in Chicopee.
"It was time," Tosado told NEPR. "It was time for a new generation of leaders to come in and have the same opportunities."
A grandfather of three, Tosado said he wants to be able to spend more time with this family.
Tosado is the House vice chair of the state's Joint Committee on Mental Health, Substance Use and Recovery. Before his time in the Statehouse, he served as a Springfield city councilor, school committee member and was part of the Springfield Police Commission. He also ran for Springfield mayor.
The Democrat praised House Speaker Robert DeLeo and the atmosphere on Beacon Hill.
"I was very fortunate to work under just one speaker... who from day one really opened up his office and really provided support, guidance to all members, and particuarly to new members," Tosado said. "It's a very collegial kind of atmosphere, unlike at the national level. It's been a great experience, and I'll miss it dearly."
Two candidates looking to succeed Tosado wasted little time jumping into the race.
Springfield City Councilor Orlando Ramos said in a press release Wednesday morning he was running — before Tosado formally announced he wasn't running.
A few hours later, Springfield School Committee member-at-large Denise Hurst said she is also mounting a bid.
"I believe it's going to be a very hotly-contested race and a competitive race," Tosado said prior to Hurst announcing her candiacy.
Tosado joins State Rep. Aaron Vega in annoucing this week their respective plans not to run for another term in the Massachusetts House. Both decisions were first reported by Western Mass. Politics and Insight.
A third western Massachusetts state representative seat could open up.
Rep. John Velis of Westfield, a Democrat, will be on the ballot for a March special election for the state Senate seat formally held by Don Humason. Humason became Westfield's mayor this month.
Republican John Cain is also mounting a campaign for the state Senate.
