Lowell – State Representative Rodney Elliott (D-Lowell) formally announced his candidacy for the Massachusetts State Senate Friday, seeking to represent the 1st Middlesex District.

Elliott had signaled his intentions to run last week in an InsideLowell article outlining candidates considering vying to replace Ed Kennedy. Kennedy passed away October 1, leaving the seat open more than a year before the next scheduled election in 2026 and triggering the need for a special election to fill the seat.

“This announcement comes with heartfelt deference to both Senator Kennedy and his family upon his passing,” said Elliott in a press release to InsideLowell. “As a member of the House of Representatives and previously as a City Councilor, I had the distinct honor of working closely with Senator Kennedy, and have long respected his dedication and passion for serving both Lowell and the First Middlesex District.”

The first Middlesex District is composed of the City of Lowell, along with the towns of Dracut, Dunstable, Pepperell and Tyngsboro. Kennedy served in the State Senate seat since 2019, winning a hotly contested Democratic primary in 2018, before cruising to victory in that November’s General Election.

“I’m running for State Senate to be the strong voice that for working families, small businesses, and the future we all want to build — one that is more affordable, more inclusive, and more sustainable,” Elliott continued. “My first job out of college was a Legislative Assistant in the State Senate for the 1st Middlesex District, which gives me a deep connection and unique understanding of the District. I have been a steady committed voice for the people as a City Councilor, Mayor and State Representative for close to three decades. I have seen firsthand the challenges our communities face and the incredible strength we have when we work together.”

Elliott brings 42 years of professional experience in federal, state, and local government, along with a Bachelor and dual Master’s degrees in Public Administration and Political Science. He has represented the 16th Middlesex District in the Massachusetts House of Representatives since 2023 and currently serves on the Committees on Ways and Means, Economic Development and Emerging Technologies, Public Safety and Homeland Security, and Public Service.

He previously served on the Lowell City Council for 25 years, including two years as Mayor from 2014 to 2015.

“We need a Senator who has the experience who will be an effective leader on day one,” Elliot added in the press release. “I want to offer to the First Middlesex the high level of services I deliver to my constituents every single day.”

In another development Friday, Lowell City Councilor Erik Gitschier published a post on his Facebook page indicating he would not vie for the seat. Gitschier’s was another name bouncing around as a potential candidate, though he didn’t address the speculation directly for our story last week.

Meanwhile, another candidate considering a run, former Lowell City Councilor John Leahy, told us earlier in the week he hadn’t completely ruled out doing so, but that it was unlikely he’d jump into the race.