Amid investigation, Sen. Joyce not seeking re-election and won't resign

MILTON, Mass. — Massachusetts State Senator Brian Joyce announced on Twitter Tuesday that he will not be seeking re-election.

Joyce has been under investigation for allegedly misusing his influence as a local politician.

“I have worked hard for Milton and achieved results, while always trying to abide by the rules. I will continue to work hard for Milton and all of the district but will not seek re-election. On a personal note, Mary and I are very touched by the many kind gestures of support and love from our neighbors and friends," Joyce said in a statement to FOX25.

This announcement comes one week after he publicly became the target of a federal investigation. FOX25's Sharman Sacchetti stopped by Joyce's State House office Wednesday, but he wasn't there.

"I think Sen. Joyce should make his own call on this stuff and the fact that he's not going to run for reelection is his decision," Gov. Charlie Baker.

The Democratic state senator from Milton has not directly answered any of FOX25's questions since the federal raid at his Canton law offices. Gov. Charlie Baker refused to call for Sen. Joyce's resignation Wednesday, the way his own state Republican party has done.

"You think he should still be able to collect a publicly funded paycheck. Again, we are all in public life expected to be held to a high standard when it comes to the way we handle our personal and our professional affairs," said Baker.

Earlier this year Gov. Charlie Baker called for an ethics probe into whether or not Joyce took advantage of his relationship with a Randolph dry cleaner to get free dry cleaning.

Also in January, Joyce agreed to pay nearly $5,000 for using his campaign funds to pay for his son's graduation party.

Sharman Sacchetti asked voters directly if the decision to not seek re-election is enough. Many of them said he should resign and that he isn't going to be effective to the community.

In a statement sent to FOX25, Mass. Senate President Stanley Rosenburg discusses Joyce's time in office. He said Joyce helped secure funding for school buildings, protected the disabled and cared for the elderly.

Joyce previously stepped down from leadership positions he had been appointed to, but is not vacating his seat despite calls for his resignation from the Massachusetts Republican Party and other political groups.

Throughout all of the investigations and allegations he has denied any wrong doing.

Cox Media Group