Coronavirus Concerns Keeps State House Seat Vacant

MELROSE, MA — State Rep.-elect Kate Lipper-Garabedian's swearing-in ceremony has been delayed due to coronavirus concerns, and there is no timetable for when the 32nd Middlesex District's House representative will take her place on Beacon Hill.

Lipper-Garabedian, of Melrose, was scheduled to be sworn in Wednesday. On Tuesday morning, she announced what had been expected in recent days — she will have to wait.

"These are incredible and frightening times in which we are living," Lipper-Garabedian said in a statement. I" hope your family is weathering the remarkable changes to our daily life, practicing social distancing, and washing your hands. As Mark, Harrison, Oscar, Baryn, and I prepare for our fourth day (of many to come) physically separating from our neighbors, friends, and family, I recognize how fortunate we are to have a safe place to live, food in the kitchen, and two paychecks."

Lipper-Garabedian remains the chief legal counsel at the Executive Office of Education. In the meantime, she said she will be available to talk to soon-to-be constituents.

The State House, like all things, has been impacted by the COVID-19 threat. It has closed down to the public in an effort to stop the spread of the virus.

The 32nd Middlesex District has been without a state representative since Paul Brodeur became mayor of Melrose in November. Lipper-Garabedian won a special election earlier this month.

The 32nd Middlesex District consists of Melrose, Precincts 4, 5 and 6 in Wakefield and Ward 5, Precinct 2 in Malden.