One of Beacon Hill’s longest-serving Republicans said Monday he’s called it a career and is now “eagerly looking forward to my next chapter.”
In announcing his retirement, House Minority Leader Bradley H. Jones Jr., D-Middlesex District 20, called his 32 years in the Legislature “a very meaningful part of my life” and said it would be “hard to leave.”
Jones, who is from North Reading, called his service to the Boston suburb “a deep and unique honor for which I will always be grateful. Representing the community where I was born and raised makes it even more of an honor.”
Jones, who became the Republican chamber leader in 2002, said he intends to serve out the remainder of his term and will step down in January 2027. He was first elected in 1994.
“As of the last count, there were over 8,180 roll call votes. I believe this reflects my commitment to the voters,” he said.
“I have served and worked with many outstanding local public officials, community volunteers and committed advocates over the years. Together we have completed countless local initiatives and projects that have improved facilities and services across the region. I have been extremely fortunate to have the support of so many outstanding staff members over the years,” he said.
Jones’ planned departure will create a leadership vacuum at the top of the House Republican caucus, which has just 25 members in the chamber.
State Rep. Kimberly N. Ferguson, R–First Worcester, who currently serves as Jones’ top deputy in Republican leadership. Auburn state Rep. Paul Frost, D-Worcester 7, is Jones’ second deputy.
Norfolk House Speaker Ronald J. Mariano extended his best wishes to Jones in a statement.
“In the 32 years I have known Rep. Brad Jones, I have found him to be a thoughtful, pragmatic leader who prefers compromise to obstruction. It was Brad’s willingness to listen and resolve differences that resulted in bipartisan legislation on many important issues, even when those differences seemed irreconcilable,” the Quincy lawmaker said.
As partisanship and parochial politics continue to define the relationship between Democrats and Republicans at the national level, Bullard’s commitment to doing things differently in Massachusetts has often made the House better as an institution — a legacy he should be proud of. I wish him and his family the best in their next chapter. ” Mariano said.
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