PITTSFIELD, Mass. — State Rep. Tricia Farley-Bouvier will not run for state Senate.

 

The Pittsfield Democrat said she had briefly considered running for the seat being vacated by state Sen. Benjamin Downing, who opted not to run for re-election, but instead will seek re-election to the House of Representatives. 

 

"I took this decision very seriously and consulted with many stakeholders to discern what is best for my family, for Pittsfield and the larger Senate district. What has become very clear to me is that I am exactly where I need to be," Farley-Bouvier wrote.

 

State Reps. Paul Mark, D-Peru, and Gailanne Cariddi, D-North Adams, also say they are not interested in the Senate seat. Both have previously confirmed they would run for re-election to the House.

 

State Rep. William "Smitty" Pignatelli, D-Lenox, currently finishing his sixth term, told Masslive this week that he was seriously considering a run for Senate. iBerkshires has reached out to him for confirmation.

 

Farley-Bouvier, in her statement, said her focus will remain on Pittsfield, which makes up the representative's district.

 

"With the city of Pittsfield at such a critical juncture in its redevelopment, we need an experienced legislator laser focused on advocating for our needs. As is well known, Pittsfield's success is critical to the success of the region.  I am looking forward to working closely with Mayor [Linda] Tyer and Superintendent [Jason] McCandless, public safety officials and our business and neighborhood leaders forging partnerships that will provide the best possible economic and educational opportunities for every Pittsfield resident. I truly value being a part of Team Pittsfield."

 

The incumbent confirmed earlier this month that she was seeking re-election and is being challenged by current City Councilor Christopher Connell. Farley-Bouvier won the representative seat in a special election in 2011 after Christopher Speranzo took a lifetime appointment in Berkshire Superior Court. Farley-Bouvier first defeated Peter White and Ryan Scago in the Democratic primary and then Green-Rainbow Party Mark Miller, Republican Mark Jester, and independent Pam Malumphy in the general election. She ran unopposed in the following two elections. 

 

With Downing's announcement, Farley-Bouvier was considered as a possible candidate in the race. But, ultimately she opted not to run. 

 

"Additionally, I am fully engaged in my work in the House and do not want to see my priorities suffer by being distracted.  Important social justice, educational and economic policies are being debated and it is important that the voices from Pittsfield are heard in these discussions," she wrote on Thursday.

 

"I am deeply appreciative of the outpouring of support from my constituents, people around the county and particularly my family all of whom have been so enthusiastic in encouraging me to run for the Senate.  It is truly heartwarming to know that so many have my back."