Davis Won’t Run For State Rep

Although she considered running for the Fourth Barnstable District State Representative seat currently held by Sarah Peake, Chatham Select Board member Shareen Davis said she’s decided not to seek the office.

“After much reflection and careful consideration, I have decided not to pursue a candidacy for state representative at this time,” Davis wrote in a Feb. 9 email. “This choice was not made lightly; it was based solely on personal reasons, and I trust you understand the gravity of such decisions.”

In late January, Peake, D-Provincetown, announced that she would not seek re-election when her ninth term was up at the end of the year.

Orleans Select Board Chair Michael Herman said that he plans to take out nomination papers to run for the seat, which represents Harwich, Chatham, Orleans, Eastham, Wellfleet, Truro and Provincetown.

Barnstable County Commissioner Sheila Lyons of Wellfleet also said she was considering running for the state representative seat, but announced Feb. 6 that she would be seeking another term on the county board. She acknowledged interest in the Fourth District seat but said in a press release that after consideration, “her passion is with the county, and [she] is committed to continue working on regional solutions and partnerships that have had a positive impact on Cape Cod.”

As of early this week, no additional candidates have announced intentions to run for Peake’s seat.

A member of the Chatham Select Board since 2017, Davis ran unopposed in last May’s annual town election. She has been a staunch advocate for affordable housing and the commercial fishing industry.

“Please know that your support has been instrumental in my journey, and I am genuinely grateful for your steadfast commitment to the betterment of our community,” she wrote in last week’s email. “Although I won't be pursuing this particular path, I remain dedicated to supporting our collective goals and initiatives.

Nomination papers for the seat became available this week.