Longtime Massachusetts GOP State Rep Susan Williams Gifford Dies

Longtime Massachusetts state Representative Susan Williams Gifford (R-Wareham) died Tuesday of cancer, according to a press release from her campaign team.."Throughout her more than two decades of service as both a State Representative and Selectman, Susan always followed her promise to 'Put People First,' advocating for our seniors, veterans, and local fishermen and cranberry growers," the release said Wednesday morning. "She worked to deliver the first tax cuts to the Commonwealth in over 20 years and worked hard to make Massachusetts more affordable for all.".Gifford, 64, had represented the Second Plymouth District since January 2003. The Second Plymouth District includes Carver, Wareham, and Precincts 3, 6, and 7A of Middleborough. She was a Wareham selectman for three years before becoming a state representative. .She was the minority whip in the Massachusetts House of Representatives. Her assignments included being the ranking minority member on the House Committee on Steering, Policy & Scheduling; ranking minority member on the Joint Committee on Agriculture; and a member of the House Committee on Human Resources and Employee Engagement..Former Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker praised her.."Representative Gifford was a strong advocate for her district, her community, and her constituents. I am grateful for her friendship, and the more than two decades of service she provided to the 2nd Plymouth District and beyond," Baker said in the written statement. "My heart goes out to her family and friends as we mourn the loss of an incredible advocate for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.".Former Massachusetts lieutenant governor Karyn Polito expressed a similar sentiment.."Susan reminded us all what it truly means to serve the people of the Commonwealth. The ripple effect of her loss will be felt throughout the communities that she served," Polito said in the press release. "Our hearts go out to her husband Mark and her family as we all mourn her loss.".House Minority Leader Brad Jones (R-North Reading) said Gifford represented her district well.."Susan often said her number one priority as a legislator was 'putting people first' and she excelled at doing that, whether she was helping constituents resolve a problem or working on behalf of the residents of Carver, Middleborough, and Wareham to secure funding for critical local programs and projects," Jones said in the press release..Massachusetts Republican Party chairman Amy Carnevale also praised her.."Susan inspired conservative women across Massachusetts to engage in politics. Her leadership was defined by unwavering commitment to her values, coupled with a unique kindness that touched everyone she encountered. Susan's unyielding commitment to the residents of Carver, Middleborough, and Wareham was truly inspirational and serves as a high standard for all civil servants," Carnevale said in a separate written statement from the MassGOP. "This is an immeasurable loss for all of us. On behalf of the party, our thoughts and prayers are with her husband, Mark, and her family as they grieve this profound loss." .Gifford, a moderate Republican, was set to leave the Massachusetts Legislature in January 2025, after losing a primary to John Gaskey, a member of the Carver Planning Board. Gaskey, who ran to her right, won the primary 59 percent to 41 percent, according to the Secretary of the Commonwealth's office; he's the only candidate on the ballot this November, but Carver selectman Sarah Hewins, a Democrat, is running a write-in campaign against him. .Gaskey also expressed his condolences.."Me and my team extend our condolences to the family and friends of Susan Williams Gifford, who passed away this week. Susan served the people of 2nd Plymouth for two decades," Gaskey wrote in a Facebook post. "All those who had the chance to know her attested to her personal kindness. We are sorry for the loss the Gifford family is going through and wish them only the best as they move forward.".Gifford was set to turn 65 years old on November 3, according to Legistorm..New to NewBostonPost? Discover the difference with content that goes beyond the typical Massachusetts news outlets. Stay informed with news and commentary rooted in conservative values—for just $1 a week. Cancel anytime. Don’t wait—join now and see what you’ve been missing!

Longtime Massachusetts GOP State Rep Susan Williams Gifford Dies

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