Brewer readies for new chapter

Brewer readies for new chapter

After serving 35 years, the state senator announces he will not seek re-election
Eryn Dion
News Staff Writer

REGIONAL — State Senator Stephen Brewer (D-Barre) announced via a press release Thursday he will not seek reelection this year.

“Therefore, as I prepare to embark on a new chapter in my life, I would like to announce that I will not be a candidate for re-election to the State Senate,” he wrote.

Senator Brewer has occupied the State House for 35 years, starting as a legislative aide for Senator Robert Wetmore in 1980.


He served in the House of Representatives for seven years until 1997 when he was elected to the Senate.

He is currently the Chair of both the Senate Committee on Ways and Means and the Joint Committee on Ways and Me-ans.

He has been a political staple, both in his hometown of Barre and throughout his district.

“Anyone who knows of my work ethic knows that I truly love the people I serve,” he said. “No one has ever enjoyed public service more.”

The decision, according to the Senator, was a personal one not based on Senate leadership issues or rivalries, and he plans on working hard during his last year in office.

He also said being a cancer survivor has given him perspective on what is important for him and his family.

“I have another year, good health permitting, to aggressively advocate for this Senate District and I will work every day on behalf of our veterans, our elderly, our environment, our sportsmen and women, our local governments, schools, police and fire departments,” the Senator wrote. “There is much work yet to be done.”

Rumors had been circulating about Senator Brewer’s possible retirement for some time, with his office preferring not to comment. Two Republicans, Mike Valanzola of Wales and James Ehrhard of Sturbridge, have already announced their candidacy.