Decker Seeks State Senate Seat

Following three weeks of speculation, Cambridge City Councillor Marjorie C. Decker officially announced yesterday her candidacy in the May 11 special election for former State Senator Anthony D. Galluccio’s currently vacant seat.

Galluccio resigned from his seat Jan. 5 after being sentenced to one year of jail for violating his house arrest by consuming alcohol. Candidates vying for his seat must submit their nomination by March 2, and the primary will be held on April 13.

Decker, who won her sixth term as a write-in candidate in November after missing the deadline to turn in nomination signatures, said she would focus on improving public education, affordable housing, and employment opportunities as State Senator.

“Local residents can’t do it alone, much more needs to be done at the state level,” Decker said. “I believe I can do more to make a difference for all of us in the State Senate. I’m ready.”

The youngest woman to be elected to the City Council in 1999, Decker drew upon her background as a daughter of working class parents growing up in public housing in Cambridge and pointed to her 10-year record on the council in her speech.

Decker joins Galluccio’s chief of staff Sal DiDomenico, Timothy R. Flaherty—who ran against Galluccio for the Senate in 2007—Michael J. Albano of Chelsea, and Daniel C. Hill of Charleston in the senate race.

All candidates are members of the Democratic Party.

State Representative Alice K. Wolf, who is supporting Decker in this election, praised her former legislative aide’s record as a member of the City Council.

“Marjorie is a terrific choice,” Wolf said. “She has the passion, background, and values that will be able to represent the district quite well,” Wolf said.

Decker’s mother, Cathy, expressed pride in the work her daughter has done thus far.

“I’m wicked proud of Marjorie, considering all she’s been through—especially with the write-in election,” she said.

Addressing a handful of spectators who had gathered near Central Square, Decker called repeatedly for reform of jobs statewide and for more affordable housing to be available in Massachusetts.

“I don’t want excuses, I want action,” Decker said.

—Staff writer Tara W. Merrigan can be reached at tmerrigan@college.harvard.edu.