By Bob Katzen
Rep. Marc Lombardo (R-Billerica) announced his candidacy for House GOP Minority Leader. He is challenging current GOP Minority Leader Rep. Brad Jones (R-North Reading) who has been a representative for 30 years and has held the leadership post since 2002. Lombardo is a 14-year incumbent who first took office in 2011.
The election will take place on January 1 when the Legislature convenes the 2025-2026 session.
“Massachusetts is at a crossroads,” said Lombardo. “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.”
“The current Republican leadership has repeatedly failed to be a voice of reason at a time when Democrats continue to pass laws that are crippling the economy and making Massachusetts one of the most expensive states in the country to live in,” he continued. “Hard working people across the commonwealth are suffering as a direct result of these failed progressive policies that the Republican leader has supported. Energy costs are through the roof, it’s almost impossible to run a small business and billions are being spent on illegal migrants when a growing number of residents are barely able to make ends meet.”
“I am proud to have the support of the overwhelming majority of the caucus as I seek re-election as Minority Leader,” responded Jones in a brief statement. “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.”
According to Beacon Hill Roll Call’s records, Lombardo has voted the same as Jones on 84 percent of the 357 roll calls from 2021 to 2024. The roll calls used to determine those numbers exclude any roll calls on local matters.