NEW: Pacheco Not Running for Rhode Island Secretary of State
Friday, October 11, 2013
Edwin Pacheco, the former Chair of the state's Democratic Party who was widely expected to run for Secretary of State in 2014, announced today that he will not be seeking the office next year.
In a message posted to Facebook this afternoon, Pacheco wrote, "Since stepping down as the Chair of the Rhode Island Democratic Party this past spring, it has been my intention to run for Secretary of State. Today, after thoughtful consideration, I am announcing that I will not be seeking the office of Secretary of State. "
Read Pacheco's Message Below:
Many people over the last six months have expressed their support for my candidacy, but running for office has never been about me or any one individual. Our future belongs to everyone who calls Rhode Island home.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTIn 2008 I started a journey to improve the lives of future generations by investing in their future through education. As executive director of Education in Action, I have met incredible young people and have seen them turn stories of hardship into stories of success. The educational work I committed to demands more than ever.
I want to give my time and energies to the kids served through Education in Action; my loving wife, our daughter Savannah; and my soon-to-be-born son. My intentions of adding “candidate for office” to that list stem from my constant aspiration to apply my strengths to public service. However, now is just not the time.
And while much has been accomplished, more work lies ahead.
Throughout my life I have lived by the philosophy of leaving the world better than we found it. It’s why I became involved in education, and the reason I have been in public service my entire adult life. Despite the end of my bid for statewide office, I remain committed to the future of our state.
Rhode Island’s best days are ahead. I tell you this with great confidence because I have seen hope in the eyes of each person whose hand I have shaken. Complete strangers have shared their stories of struggle only to stand up and be counted – many of whom offered support for my candidacy. For all of that, I am truly grateful.
It has been humbling to receive the support of family and friends, I will always be grateful to have you in my life. The work we started continues. Thank you to my entire team and family. Our efforts to opening the doors of democracy and ensuring a brighter future for each and every Rhode Islander have only just begun.
Thank you.
