Gov. Deval Patrick has tabbed William “Mo” Cowan as the interim U.S. senator, according to a press release. Cowan, who graduated from the Northeastern University School of Law, is the former chief of staff and chief legal counsel to Gov. Patrick.
U.S. Rep. Mike Capuano (7th District), who represents Mission Hill, has decided not to run for the U.S. Senate seat left open by John Kerry after mulling the possibility. U.S. Rep. Edward Markey (5th District) and U.S. Rep. Stephen Lynch (8th District) have both entered the race for the Democratic Party.
Kerry, the former senior U.S. senator from Massachusetts, was confirmed Jan. 29 as the U.S. secretary of state. Cowan will serve until a replacement is picked during a June 25 special election. The primary election will be April 30.
Capuano nixed the possibility of running to focus on his work in the House.
“After careful consideration, I have decided not to enter the race for U.S. Senate,” said Capuano through a spokesperson. “Instead, I look forward to focusing on the important issues facing the new Congress. My current work in the House and whatever opportunities the future may hold, afford me the greatest honor of my life, fighting for the citizens of the Commonwealth.”