Tom Hopcroft has withdrawn his bid for state Senate in the 2nd Middlesex district race, saying in a statement on his website he had run into a playing field that “tilts more toward those with deep infrastructure and war chests” instead of ideas.
Hopcroft, who currently serves on the Winchester School Committee, first shared the news with the Boston Globe in a story published July 27, then verified the withdrawal on his campaign site July 28. He said in a statement on his website that “I entered this race because Massachusetts is at a pivotal moment, entering an era defined by rapid change, and I believed I would bring a fresh, future-oriented perspective that’s needed on Beacon Hill.” He added, “My campaign may be ending, but my mission continues.”
Although the statement did not include plans to endorse any of the other candidates, Hopcroft did say he has plans to meet with the other candidates in the race to discuss their approaches to major issues like innovation, transparency, and more. He told the Globe he is considering endorsing one of his former rivals.
Hopcroft was the second candidate to declare for the seat after current state Sen. Patricia Jehlen said she would not run for re-election in December. He had been trailing his rivals in fundraising. The race for state senate in the 2nd Middlesex district still remains the most contested, with four remaining candidates: Cambridge Vice Mayor Burhan Azeem, 34th Middlesex District Rep. Christine Barber, Somerville City Councilor Matt McLaughlin, and 27th Middlesex District Rep. Erika Uyterhoeven.
On Aug. 1, the remaining candidates are scheduled to debate at East Somerville Community school beginning at 6pm. The debate for the 34th Middlesex district is scheduled for 5pm, and the 27th Middlesex district is scheduled for 7pm.
Cambridge Day has reached out to Hopcroft for further comment.
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