By Bob Katzen

House GOP Minority Leader Rep. Brad Jones (R-North Reading) surprised everyone when he announced that he will not seek re-election in 2026 but will serve out his current term which end in January 2027. Jones, who represents Lynnfield, Middleton, North Reading and Reading, said, “After 32 years serving in the House of Representatives, I have decided that I will not seek re-election to another term this fall. Serving as state representative has been a tremendously meaningful part of my life, and while difficult to leave behind, I eagerly look forward to my next chapter. It is a profound and distinct honor for which I will be eternally grateful. Representing the community where I was born and raised has made this even more of a privilege.”

Jones continued, “My colleagues in the Republican caucus have afforded me the rare privilege to serve as Minority Leader since 2002, allowing me to be even more impactful in my service. Working with so many talented and dedicated members, often across the aisle, on a wide range of important issues over the years has been rewarding and inspiring.”

Jones is not without his detractors. “Virtually no one but the speaker knows who Rep. Brad Jones is but that doesn’t have to be the same for the next Republican House Minority Leader,” said longtime Jones critic Paul Craney, executive director of the Mass Fiscal Alliance. “The caucus, taxpayers and state desperately need a bold leader in this important position.”

Meanwhile, Beacon Hill Roll Call asked Rep. Marc Lombardo (R-Billerica), who ran for the position of GOP Minority Leader against Jones last year, if he plans to seek the position in 2027 when Jones departs. “Not in my immediate plans,” responded Lombardo who lost to Jones in 2025 when Jones received 21 votes to Lombardo’s four votes.