State Rep. Christopher Markey to run for Bristol County District Attorney

After serving in the Massachusetts House of Representatives for 15 years, state Rep. Christopher Markey is looking to switch gears and run for Bristol County District Attorney.

On Wednesday, Jan. 21, District Attorney Thomas Quinn announced that he would not be seeking reelection, opening the position up for new contenders.

However, Markey, a democrat, said that his decision to run for the position wasn’t influenced by Quinn’s announcement.

“My decision is based upon the opportunity to serve more for the public and use my experiences as a lawyer and a long time prosecutor, and I think I can do that in the DA’s office,” Markey said.

He added, “I think I have the opportunity to do that and do it well.”

Markey explained that he’s always thought about running for District Attorney, noting that he first worked in the district attorney’s office when he was a part-time student in law school.

There, he worked as a victim witness advocate, which he said he “fell in love with,” and then as an assistant district attorney. Markey worked as an assistant district attorney for 12 years on top of four years as a victim witness person.

Markey said that if he is elected one of his goals is to be the “best law firm in Bristol County.”

“What I think is the greatest job you can do in public service as an attorney is to be a prosecutor, use the best technology possible and continue to fight for victims and making sure that there’s justice,” he said.

Markey called his experience in the Massachusetts House of Representatives a “bonus” to the experience he has in court.

“I think this is an added bonus to the ability to understand state politics and understand budgetary issues and how to get more funding, and I think that can help me with those relationships in the end,” he said.

While working as a state representative, Markey has been involved in criminal justice reform, acted as de facto chair of judiciary when the state banned life without parole for those under 21-years-old, and helped pass a domestic violence bill.

Locally, Markey said he’s happy with his role in making sure the causeway went efficiently when it was getting redone in South Dartmouth, fighting for agriculture and the town’s farmers, and working on the Bliss Corner cleanup.

Markey said he’s “excited” for what will come next for him when his term in the Massachusetts House of Representatives comes to a close, whether it’s becoming district attorney or otherwise.

“Hopefully I can show the people of Bristol County over the next nine months that I am the most qualified for the professional position of this,” he said.

Markey will be formally announcing his campaign for district attorney on Saturday, Jan. 31.

“It’s a campaign. I get to convince people that I’m worthy of a position. That’s what I plan to do for the next nine months,” he said.