The top Republican in the Mass. House is retiring. Here’s what he said
One of the longest-serving Republicans on Beacon Hill said Monday that he calls this a career and is now “looking forward to the next chapter.”
In announcing his retirement, House Minority Leader Bradley H. Jones Jr., R-20th Middlesex, called his 32 years in the Legislature “an extremely meaningful part of my life” and said it was “hard to leave behind.”
Jones, of North Reading, called his service in suburban Boston “a profound and distinctive honor for which I will be forever grateful. Representing the community in which I was born and raised made this an even greater privilege.”
Jones, who ascended to GOP leadership in 2002, has said he plans to serve out the remainder of his term and will leave office in January 2027. He was first elected in 1994.
“As of the last count, there are over 8,180 roll call votes. I believe this is a reflection of my commitment to my constituents,” he said.
“I have served and worked with many outstanding local public servants, community volunteers and dedicated advocates over the years. Together, we have completed countless local initiatives and projects, improving facilities and services throughout the county. I am extremely fortunate to have been supported by so many remarkable staff members over the years,” he said.
Jones’ planned departure creates a leadership vacuum at the top of the House Republican House, where there are just 25 members in the lower chamber.
State Rep. Kimberly N. Ferguson, R–1st Worcester currently serves as Jones’ top aide in the GOP leadership. Rep. Paul Frost, R-7th Worcester, an Auburn lawmaker, is Jones’ second-ranking aide.
State House Speaker Ronald J. Mariano, D-3rd, said in a statement. Norfolk offered its best wishes to Jones.
““In the 32 years I have known Rep. Brad Jones, I have found him to be a thoughtful and pragmatic leader who prefers compromise over obstruction. “Even when these disagreements seemed irreconcilable, Brad’s willingness to listen and work through disagreements led to bipartisan legislation on a number of important issues,” the Quincy lawmaker said.
While partisanship and narrow-minded politics continue to define the relationship between Democrats and Republicans nationally, Brad’s commitment to doing things differently here in Massachusetts has often changed the House of Representatives for the better as an institution; It was a legacy he should be proud of. “I wish him and his family success in their next chapter,” Mariano said.
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