State Sen. Thomas McGee. Item File Photo
By Thomas Grillo
LYNN — State Sen. Thomas McGee will not seek reelection as chairman of the Massachusetts Democratic Party.
In an email to the State Democratic Committee over the weekend, the Lynn Democrat, who faces no opposition in his senate reelection bid in November, said he is proud of his accomplishments over the last three years, which included strengthening the state party’s relationship with organized labor and working special elections which included recapturing Republican seats.
“I’m not leaving until November and I have a full plate including the sheriff race, where for the first time in many years we could elect a Democrat, and numerous legislative races,” McGee told The Item.
Competition for Essex County Sheriff will pit Lynn Police Chief Kevin Coppinger against Peabody City Councilor Anne Manning-Martin, a Republican. In addition, Democrat Jennifer Migliore will face off for state representative against Saugus Republican incumbent Rep. Donald Wong.
McGee’s four-year term as chairman, which pays $104,000 annually, expires in November. He also earns about $80,000 as senator.
City Councilor-at-Large Brian LaPierre said McGee’s resignation could fuel speculation that the senator will run for mayor next year against Mayor Judith Flanagan Kennedy.
“As chairman of the Democratic Party, he’s done a wonderful job,” he said. “As to what happens in 2017, that’s up to him and his family. It’s premature and anyone’s speculation. I did see on Facebook someone wrote: Is this the beginning of a mayoral run?”
The mayor did not return calls seeking comment.
For his part, McGee declined to talk about the race for the corner office.
Jay Cincotti, executive director of the Massachusetts Democratic Party, had high praise for McGee.
“For the past three years, Tom McGee has been a tremendous asset to the Massachusetts Democratic Party as Chairman,” Cincotti wrote in an email. “That comes as no surprise given his deeply instilled values of equality, opportunity and fairness and his lifelong passion to make the lives of Massachusetts residents better. Just as he as done for Lynn, Tom has worked tirelessly on behalf of the Massachusetts Democratic Party ensuring that people across the commonwealth have a voice and that we are all working for a brighter future. While we will certainly miss his leadership, we know that Tom will continue to fight beside us, just as he always has.”
Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) expressed gratitude for McGee’s work on behalf of the Democratic Party.
“Being chairman isn’t easy, but for three years Tom has worked his heart out to strengthen our party and our candidates,” said Warren in a statement. “Thanks to Tom’s dedication, we held on to Democratic seats in tough special elections and even took back a Republican seat. Tom is a good man and a good friend, and he’s made us all proud. I’m looking forward to working with him this fall to send Hillary Clinton to the White House in November.”
Senator Linda Forry, a Boston Democrat, said McGee’s commitment to Democratic ideals and his efforts to translate them into action has made a difference.
“I sincerely thank Chairman McGee for his service to the state party and know that whoever follows has big shoes to fill,” she said in a statement.
Thomas Grillo can be reached at [email protected]