Updated, Dec. 1
The Vineyard representative for the Massachusetts State House, Dylan Fernandes, announced that he will be running for a state Senate seat representing Cape Cod and Plymouth.
The announcement opens up a race for Fernandes’ current position, representing Nantucket and parts of Falmouth in addition to the Vineyard, during next year’s election.
State House News Service first reported on Thursday that Falmouth State Senator Sue Moran would be running for county office next year, prompting a race for her current Senate seat.
Reached on Thursday, Fernandes told The Times in a statement that he’s been grateful for the three terms he’s served representing the Island.
“It has been the honor of my lifetime to serve the people of Martha’s Vineyard,” Fernandes said. “I love the Island, and consider it my adopted home. With the vacancy of my hometown Senate District, I am running to be the next state senator of Plymouth and Barnstable, to use that platform to continue our work of protecting the environment, supporting workforce housing, and addressing substance misuse and mental health issues. Know that our office will work tirelessly to help the people of the Vineyard throughout the remainder of our term. I am so deeply grateful to Vineyarders for their kindness, friendship, and support over these past seven years.”
Fernandes has been serving the Islands and Falmouth in the state house since 2017. He was first elected in 2016 after facing Nantucket Independent Tobias Glidden. He most recently cruised to re-election during the state election last November.
The Falmouth Democrat also announced his bid for the state Senate with an email blast Friday morning.
“I am clear-eyed about the upcoming race: It will be tough,” Fernandes said. “This is a swing district, and Republicans in the state are feeling confident after recently flipping a Senate seat in Worcester County.”
