Sen. Spilka To Become MA Senate President

Sen. Karen Spilka will become the Massachusetts senate president as of the week of July 23, taking over for Harriette Chandler after weeks of negotiations.

Chandler was appointed the seat in December when Sen. Stanley Rosenberg stepped down from the position after allegations of sexual assault made against his husband.

Senators Chandler and Spilka released a joint statement on Thursday afternoon.

“We have both shared a strong belief that our guiding priority must be to ensure stability in the Massachusetts Senate," they said. “Each of us also believes that a smooth, orderly transition between each of our tenures as Senate President is the only way to ensure the Senate’s uninterrupted work on behalf of the men, women and children of this Commonwealth."

The statement indicates that the timing allows the senate to have a smooth transition and without disruption, can pursue its economic, social, and civil justice priorities.

“Chairwoman Spilka and I have been long-time friends and colleagues, and I am pleased to be handing the Senate over to a strong leader who will continue to lead us into the future," said Chandler in the statement. "I look forward to working with her closely through the coming months, and into next session.”

“Senate President Chandler has served the Senate admirably in these challenging times," said Spilka. "I look forward to continuing to benefit from her wise counsel throughout my presidency, as I have during the many years of our friendship. I have asked Senator Chandler to continue on as a valued member of my leadership team, commensurate with her experience and in the best interests of the Senate and I do not anticipate any significant changes in the Senate organization this year.”

Senator Spilka is the Ways and Means chair and represents the Second Middlesex and Norfolk districts, which includes Ashland, Framingham, Holliston, Hopkinton, Natick, Franklin and Medway.

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