Jacob Ferry of West Tisbury is the latest candidate to announce a run for the state house seat now held by Representative Timothy Madden of Nantucket, who recently announced he will not seek re-election.
The district encompasses Nantucket, Martha’s Vineyard, the Elizabeth Islands, and four Falmouth precincts that include the village of Woods Hole.
Mr. Ferry, chief of staff for State Representative Shawn Dooley (R-Norfolk), will run as an independent. Mr. Ferry touted his Island roots and legislative experience in a press release issued Tuesday.
He is a 2010 graduate of Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School, and was a transportation planning intern at the Martha’s Vineyard Commission following his graduation in 2014 from Boston University.
“My experience researching, drafting, and moving bills through the legislative process also allows me to hit the ground running,” Mr. Ferry said. “Growing up on, and having such deep roots in, the Vineyard has given me a superior understanding of the district, which I believe makes me the best choice to fight for its priorities on Beacon Hill.”
Mr. Ferry is the latest announced candidate for the seat Mr. Madden has held since 2008. In December, Oak Bluffs resident and planning board member Ewell Hopkins announced that he will run as a Democrat in the state primary on Sept. 8.
The Cape Cod Times reported Wednesday that Michael Heylin, 35, of Falmouth will also run as a Democrat. Mr. Heylin is executive director of Raynham Community Access Media, a nonprofit media organization.
The general election is Nov. 8.
