Wolf Formally Announces Decision Not to Run for Re-Election

Cape and Islands State Senator Dan Wolf (D)

HYANNIS –  Cape and Islands State Senator Dan Wolf has formally announced that he will not run for re-election in 2016.

Wolf’s decision had been rumored for several weeks, but it wasn’t until he issued a statement Wednesday night that his decision was confirmed.

The Harwich Democrat easily won re-election last year against Republican Ron Beaty. Wolf was first elected to the state senate in 2010 in what was his first-ever run for public office.

“Serving as State Senator from the Cape and Islands has been one of the greatest honors and experiences of my life. My decision not to run for a fourth term was one of the most difficult I’ve made,” Wolf said in a statement.

He attempted a run for governor in 2013 but was sidetracked by a battle with the State Ethics Commission over his ownership of Hyannis-based Cape Air/Nantucket Airlines.

The commission ruled Wolf would not be able to serve as governor and still own the airline because of contracts his company had with the state. It also threatened his continued tenure as a state senator.

After Wolf mounted a legal challenge, the Ethics Commission modified its regulations to allow a private business owner to remain in office while still holding state contracts. Despite the change, Wolf decided not to continue his run for governor.

In his statement, Wolf said his commitment to “continue the fight” for issues he believes in will continue even after he leaves office.

“Six  years ago I ran for this office on the foundation of decades of civic participation, with the belief that working together we can build an economy that better serves us all, while protecting out environment for generations to come,” he said.

Wolf also thanked his family, legislative colleagues and fellow Cape Air employees for their support over the years. “And most of all, my deepest gratitude to the citizens of the Cape, the Islands and the Commonwealth for offering me the greatest gift of all: the opportunity to serve others,” said Wolf.

Several Republican and Democratic candidates are expected to consider runs for the seat.

County Commissioner Chair Sheila Lyons and Brewster Selectman Ben deRuyter, both Democrats, are reportedly considering the possibility.

On the Republican side, Beaty and Orleans Selectman John Hodgson are mulling runs.

Fourth Barnstable State Representative Sarah Peake, a Democrat, and First Barnstable State Representative Tim Whelan, a Republican, have both said they will not run.

Second Barnstable State Representative Brian Mannal previously said he would entertain the possibility.

By MATT PITTA, CapeCod.com News Director