Marc Lombardo To Challenge Brad Jones For Massachusetts House Minority Leader Post

By Tom Joyce | December 20, 2024, 17:33 EST

Beacon Hill’s Republican leadership may see its first shake-up in more than 15 years, as state Representative Marc Lombardo (R-Billerica) announced Wednesday that he plans to challenge his colleague Brad Jones (R-North Reading) for the House Minority Leader position. 

“Massachusetts is at a crossroads,” Lombardo said in a press release sent to NewBostonPost. “For too long, the voices of our communities have been overshadowed by the Democratic Party’s monopoly on power. Our Republican Caucus has a duty to provide a real alternative, one that champions fiscal responsibility, individual liberty, and the values that make Massachusetts a great place to live and work. To do this, we need leadership that is dynamic, collaborative, and unafraid to chart a new course.”

“Our constituents deserve leaders who will stand up to the entrenched power of the majority, inspire confidence in our ability to govern effectively, and listen to the will of the voters,” Lombardo added. “I am ready to lead our caucus into a new era of growth, strength, and resolve.”

Jones, who has held the role since 2002, confirmed his intention to seek re-election to the post for the 2025-2026 legislative session.

“I am proud to have the support of the overwhelming majority of the caucus as I seek re-election as Minority Leader,” Jones said in a statement his office emailed to NewBostonPost late Wednesday afternoon. “I have enjoyed the productive discussions with Republican colleagues about how we can work together as we head into the 2025-2026 session. I look forward to continuing to serve as House Minority Leader come January 1.”

The Massachusetts House Republican caucus, which will start the next session with 25 members, is facing internal divisions as it decides its leadership ahead of the January 1 swearing-in — the same day House Republicans will vote for who they want as their leader.

The leadership contest has drawn reactions some support from those in right-leaning circles.

Paul Craney, spokesman for the Massachusetts Fiscal Alliance, welcomed the challenge.

“Having these types of leadership elections are long overdue. House Republican leadership should lead, and tell us what they will do over the next two years,” Craney said on X, formerly known as Twitter.

Meanwhile, state Representative Nick Boldyga (R-Southwick) was quick to endorse Lombardo’s challenge.

“I’m proud to endorse @MarcTLombardo as our next Republican Leader in the Massachusetts House!” Boldyga posted on X (Twitter). “Marc has a solid vision to unify the caucus and restore the Republican party back to a party of principle. New Republican leadership is needed now more than ever. Marc has the fortitude and integrity to get the job done!”

However, Lombardo’s challenge will be an uphill battle.

Jones already publicly has seven incumbent state representatives backing him, as Politico reported. This includes three moderates in Michael Soter (R-Bellingham), Paul Frost (R-Auburn), and Todd Smola (R-Warren), who, like Jones, have voted to expand abortion and transgender rights in Massachusetts. However, he also has the backing of two of the more conservative Republicans on Beacon Hill: state representatives David DeCoste (R-Norwell) and Joseph McKenna (R-Webster). Plus, state representatives Marcus Vaughn (R-Norfolk) and John Marsi (R-Dudley), who have more limited voting records, also support Jones. 

The last contested election for House Minority Leader occurred in January 2009, when Jones narrowly defeated then-state representative Lew Evangelidis, 9-7. Lombardo’s announcement suggests a renewed push for change as Republicans aim to rebuild their presence on Beacon Hill.

 

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