Tisei won’t seek U.S. Senate seat

Gay Republican Richard Tisei won’t pursue a run for U.S. Senate (photo courtesy of Tisei)

One day after announcing he was considering a run for U.S. Senate, a gay Republican former congressional candidate declared on Saturday he won’t pursue a seat in the upper chamber of Congress.

Richard Tisei, who unsuccessfully ran last year for a U.S. House seat, said in a statement on Saturday that he decided against running for U.S. Senate in Massachusetts’ upcoming special election because “the timing is simply not right for me to do so.”

Tisei first said publicly on Friday that he was considering a run after former Sen. Scott Brown announced he wouldn’t pursue the seat, which was vacated by former Sen. John Kerry upon his confirmation as secretary of state. The special election will be held June 25.

Last year, Tisei ran against Rep. John Tierney (D-Mass.) in an attempt to unseat the pro-LGBT Democrat from his seat representing Massachusetts’ 6th congressional district. Despite outraising Tierney in funds, Tisei ultimately lost the election by a slim margin of 48-47.

The complete statement from Tisei explaining his decision not to run follows:

“I’ve been humbled by so many people who’ve urged me to run for this seat, following Senator Scott Brown’s decision not to run on Friday. I believe it’s imperative that the Republican party put forward a strong candidate who can help bring much-needed change to Washington. Unfortunately, the timing is simply not right for me to do so – deeply as I feel about the need to strongly compete in this election. It was also my desire to make this decision as quickly as possible so that other potential candidates would be able to consider whether they should run.

We have many talented people from all walks of life who should get involved in the political system to bring about change. The political class ought not be a select few. That’s part of the reason that we’re in such a mess and that our political system has become dysfunctional. I urge principled, qualified men and women to stand up and be counted in the political arena. We have no right to complain if we’re not willing to be constructively involved as we try to build a better future. I’ve met thousands and thousands of people who do care and have been involved and I urge them to stay involved and to continue to make a difference – especially in these difficult times.

I look forward to continuing my involvement and to supporting strong, principled, independent-minded candidates who may choose to run for this and other offices. All of us – Republicans, Independents, and Democrats – need to roll up our sleeves, pitch in, and bring about the reforms of our political system that are so desperately needed. Whether as a candidate or concerned citizen, I will continue to be involved with other men and women of integrity who share my desire for real reforms.”