Framingham Resident Announces Run For Sannicandro Seat

Framingham resident Jack Patrick Lewis announced today, Jan. 19, he is running for the 7th Middlesex District’s State Representative seat.

Rep. Tom Sannicandro, Democrat from Ashland, announced in November that he would not seek re-election this year after serving the district for over a decade.

The 7th Middlesex District includes Ashland and a third of Framingham’s 18 precincts (8, 13, 14, 16, 17, 18).

“After speaking with my family and meeting with community leaders, I have decided to run to succeed State Representative Tom Sannicandro representing Ashland and Framingham at the State House” said Lewis. “We need progressive leadership to make bold investments in our communities, to create and promote innovation in our schools, and to represent the diverse needs of MetroWest.”

Lewis, a member of the Framingham Democratic Town Committee, is one of the founders and the inaugural Executive Director of OUT MetroWest. OUT MetroWest provides safe and supportive programs for area gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender youth and advocates for greater acceptance and diversity in the region. Founded in 2011, OUT MetroWest has served more than 650 middle and high school youth from 50 towns across eastern Massachusetts. The organization’s 2015 fundraiser honored Senator Edward Markey for his commitment to justice.

Before serving as the Executive Director of OUT MetroWest, Lewis, an ordained minister, served the Unitarian Universalist Society in Wellesley. His primary responsibilities included providing ministerial oversight to the congregation’s social justice and education programs.

“I look forward to using my experiences as a non-profit leader and minister as a voice for economic and social justice issues in the state legislature,” Lewis said, in a press release. “My work in the community has only further impassioned my commitment to a world in which all children feel supported and celebrated, all parents feel hope for their family’s future, and all residents feel a sense of collective responsibility for a healthier, safer tomorrow.”

“I am excited to spend this year hearing from the residents of the district,” Lewis added. “I look forward to further discussing the issues that matter to the families of Ashland and Framingham and that face our Commonwealth.”

Lewis lives with his husband and partner of seven years, Brent, and their son who currently attends Barbieri Elementary in Framingham.

The Democratic primary is scheduled for Sept 8, with the general election taking place on November 8.

Republican and former Ashland Selectman Jon Fetherston was the first to announce his candidacy, after Sannicanndro announced he would not seek re-election.

Democrat and former Ashland Selectman Phil Jack has also announced his campaign.

The Committee to Elect Jack Lewis can be reached at jack@electjacklewis.com or PO Box 2203, Framingham, MA 01703.