South Boston Rep. Will Take Second Shot At Joining Senate

South Boston Rep. Nick Collins was runner-up by 379 votes in the 2013 Senate special election Democratic primary — a race eventually won by former Sen. Linda Dorcena Forry and a contest in which a third candidate, Maureen Dahill, took 1,594 votes.

Collins is giving it another go this year, announcing Friday afternoon that he's running for the Senate seat that Forry just gave up to take a job with a construction company. The special election is May 1, following an April 3 primary. Candidates must file nomination papers by Feb. 20.

Collins said he's talked the race over with his wife Olivia and residents in the district.

"Many of the conversations echoed the same theme: we need a leader who will listen and work tirelessly to improve the quality of life in our community," he said in a statement. "Our senator needs to be someone who knows our neighborhoods and will improve education, understands the urgency of upgrading our transportation network, is committed to addressing the opioid epidemic and making our streets safe and will fight for the crucial community funding required to meet these challenges. I am ready to be that leader. Our district is one of the most culturally diverse in the state, and my vision, passion and experience will deliver results that will improve the quality of life for every neighborhood."

The day of the Senate special election, May 1, is also the deadline for legislative candidates to file nomination papers if they wish to run in the Sept. 4 primary and Nov. 6 general elections.