Less than two weeks after state Senator Susan Moran said she would not run for re-election, a candidate has emerged for the Plymouth and Barnstable Democrat’s seat.
State Representative Dylan Fernandes, a Falmouth Democrat, said he wants to move over to the Senate chamber on Beacon Hill. In a statement, Fernandes said he wants “to bring new energy to the role and legislative experience…to make Massachusetts a more affordable place to live for middle and low income people.”
Fernandes, 33, was first elected to the Massachusetts House of Representatives at age 26. He could face at least one opponent in the Democratic primary scheduled for Sept 3. Plymouth select board member John Mahoney, who came in a close second to Moran in the 2020 Democratic primary, is considering another run. Mahoney said last month that he would take his time to reach a decision. On Monday, he said he remains focused on town issues.
On the Republican side, state Representative Matt Muratore, of Plymouth, said he will use the holidays to discuss with his wife and daughters whether to become a candidate for Moran’s seat. Muratore said he will make an announcement in January, but added, “It’s all leaning towards” a run.
Fred Thys can be reached at fred@plymouthindependent.org.