Senate President Announces Changes in Leadership Team; names Senator Hart Assistant Majority Leader

BOSTON – Senator Jack Hart (D-Boston) moves up into the role of Assistant Majority Leader and Senate President Therese Murray (D-Plymouth) added a second woman to the Senate’s top posts after a full Democratic caucus approved a reconfigured Murray leadership team.

Senator Harriette Chandler (D-Worcester) also moves up, taking the position of Majority Whip. And the newest member of the leadership team, Senator Karen Spilka (D-Ashland), takes over as Assistant Majority Whip.

“All three senators have demonstrated the commitment and ability to lead in this body and deliver on important issues for the Commonwealth,” Murray said. “They each have the respect and support of their colleagues, and I am proud to have them on my leadership team.”

The changes were made possible by the departure last year of the former senator from the Second Suffolk and Middlesex District, Steven Tolman, who served as Assistant Majority Leader under Murray.

“I am honored to be afforded this opportunity by Senate President Murray, a woman and a leader whom I admire greatly,” Hart said. “In this position, I hope to work with the leadership and the members to continue to do good things for the people of the Commonwealth.”