Sciortino: I Have Learned So Much in Role as Legislator

State Representative Carl Sciortino, a Medford Democrat, is stepping down from elected office after nearly a decade in office to lead the AIDS Action Committee of Massachusetts. He released the following statement to supporters today:

I am writing to you to share some news. After serving in the legislature for over nine years, I have made the difficult decision to step down from the Massachusetts House of Representatives. I am excited to have accepted a position as the new Executive Director at AIDS Action Committee.

It is impossible to convey how much gratitude I have for having had the opportunity to serve in the State House. I have witnessed amazing generosity, passionate advocacy, and active civic engagement. I have learned so much from constituents about the struggles their families encounter, and have done my very best to live up to the challenge of being your advocate on Beacon Hill. Whether it was passing the Buffer Zone Bill, the Transgender Equal Rights Bill, advocating for the MBTA Green Line Extension, which finally broke ground last year, or working in coalition with many of you to advance progressive values and the needs of working families, I have never stopped learning, and never stopped loving this unique role as a member of the House of Representatives.

I have always felt lucky to have a district and network of supporters that kept me informed, and kept me on my toes. Thank you for entrusting me with this very humbling role for almost a decade!

I begin my new role as Executive Director of AIDS Action Committee on April 7. Having worked on HIV and AIDS issues in the legislature, I am excited for the opportunity to advocate full-time on behalf of those infected, affected, and at risk for HIV. In doing so, I will join a handful of other people living with HIV who are leading AIDS service organizations around the country.

My final day at the State House will be April 4, but my State House office will continue to triage calls and emails of constituent service needs. The office can be reached at (617) 722-2013. Medford and Somerville are also both still fortunate to have great legislative delegations who I’ve been honored to work with.

Please know I am not going far and I hope our paths continue to cross in the fight for social and economic justice.

With gratitude,

Carl Sciortino