Three weeks after our report indicated he was “strongly weighing” a run for his old seat, former 17th Middlesex State Representative David Nangle announced this isn’t “my time,” while leaving the door wide open to a future run for office.
“After careful consideration and many heartfelt discussions with my daughter, and immediate family members, I have decided not to pursue the state representative seat in the 17th Middlesex District,” Nangle wrote in a statement to InsideLowell. “This was not an easy decision, but the decision that had to be made at this time.”
Nangle, who had served the district from 1999-2020, was defeated by current State Rep Vanna Howard in the 2020 Democratic Primary during a campaign that saw him mired in a legal battle over misuse of campaign funds in an effort to pay off debts accumulated while dealing with a gambling addiction.
He ultimately pled guilty and served five months in prison before being released in April of 2022. Since that time, Nangle has worked to overcome his addiction and in turn help others fighting gambling problems, which he describes as an “epidemic our young people are experiencing.”
He concluded the statement by adding “This may not be “my time” but the calls, texts, emails and well wishes have convinced me that that time may not be behind me after all.”
Below is the full statement from David Nangle:
“After careful consideration and many heartfelt discussions with my daughter, and immediate family members, I have decided not to pursue the state representative seat in the 17th Middlesex District.
Throughout my life and certainly throughout my political career, my family has been a guiding force. My brothers and sisters have always provided sound counsel and support, during good times and bad, and I am forever grateful.
This has been a decision that I have anguished over. The outpouring of encouragement that I have received from friends, family, neighbors and elected officials has been tremendous. I’ve even received encouragement from people who said they didn’t vote for me in 2020 but would today. Folks volunteering for the campaign before it even started – offering to go door to door with me, lawn sign locations, sign holding – have been amazing. My phone hasn’t stopped ringing since my name last appeared on Inside Lowell. The support has raised my spirits and further proves that Lowell is a community that is willing to give people a second chance.
I hate to disappoint everyone who has been willing to give me that chance. This community deserves a state rep that is willing to work with others in a positive way to continually move Lowell forward. Someone who can build relationships for the good of the district, rather than tear them down. My hope was to regain the seat to provide that type of representation while utilizing it as a bully pulpit to help combat the epidemic that our young people are experiencing with problem gambling. Saving even one person from the path that I found myself on as a gambling addict would make it worthwhile. I want to make addiction services the cornerstone of my work moving forward. Thanks to the Bridge Club of Greater Lowell and Middlesex Community College, I have the opportunity to do just that as a Certified Recovery Coach.
One thing you learn in politics is to never shut the door on future possibilities. This may not be “my time” but the calls, texts, emails and well wishes have convinced me that that time may not be behind me after all.
I want to sincerely thank everyone that offered support. This was not an easy decision but the decision that had to be made at this time.”
