Several people say they are considering a run for western Massachusetts state Sen. Eric Lesser's seat. Lesser announced his run for lieutenant governor this week.
No one has declared their candidacy, but state representatives Jacob Oliveira of Ludlow and Angelo Puppolo of Springfield say they plan to make a decision in the coming weeks.
Puppolo stressed the need for effective representation in the statehouse.
"We need not only a seat at the table, we gotta have a strong seat at the table," Puppolo said.
Others who say they are running include Marc Strange, the chair of Longmeadow's Select Board, and Sydney Levin-Epstein, a campaign professional from Longmeadow.
Representatives from the Massachusetts GOP did not respond to messages asking if any Republicans are considering a run for Lesser's seat.
Lesser currently represents parts of Hampden and Hampshire counties, but district lines could change following new redistricting approved in November 2021.