By Cary Shuman
Beacon Hill’s State Rep. Jay Livingstone said he is “seriously considering” a run for the State Senate seat held by Anthony Petruccelli, who has announced that he will be stepping down from the position in January.
“I’m seriously considering it and evaluating all my options right now and I will make a decision shortly,” said Livingstone.
Livingstone has represented Beacon Hill in the Legislature for two-and-half years, having won a special election to succeed former Representative Martha Walz in June, 2013. In addition to the Beacon Hill neighborhood, Livingstone also represents the Back Bay and the West End in Boston, along with Cambridgeport and Kendall Square in Cambridge.
The senatorial district includes Beacon Hill, the North End, Chinatown, the Financial District, parts of Cambridge, and all of East Boston and Revere.
Livingstone has been a very effective legislator, one who is noted for being accessible and responsive to his constituents. A sponsor of several bills on issues such as early childhood care, student health in schools, and the regulation of building construction that would cast shadows on certain public parks, Livingstone said his top priority right now is equal pay legislation “to close the gender wage gap between men and women that exists in Massachusetts.”
Livingstone, 42, is a graduate of North Attleboro High School, the University of Connecticut, and George Washington University Law School. He is of counsel at a Boston law firm. He and his wife, Julie, reside in Beacon Hill.
Supporters have been urging Livingstone, a rising star in the House of Representatives, to run for the seat.
“The response I’ve gotten has been fantastic and it really humbles me,” said Livingstone.
Livingstone has a fundraiser scheduled for Thursday night at the Met Back Bay. The event was planned prior to Sen. Petruccelli’s decision to resign.
“I’d be surprised if I wasn’t in or out [by Thursday]” said Livingstone.