NOTES BETWEEN PRINTED EDITIONS

Massachusetts Republican Party Calls for Resignation of Cape Cod Democratic Rep. Chris Flanagan Following Criminal Referral to U.S. Attorney’s Office

Boston, MA– The Massachusetts Republican Party is calling for the immediate resignation of State Representative Chris Flanagan (D-1st Barnstable) following multiple instances of corruption and public deception. This demand follows an announcement by the Barnstable Police Department that Flanagan is under investigation by the Massachusetts U.S. Attorney for “alleged potential criminal activity involving Christopher Flanagan and the ‘Chris Flanagan for State Representative for the 1st Barnstable District’ campaign.”

“Representative Flanagan has repeatedly misled the public and violated campaign finance laws, as documented by OCPF,” MassGOP Chair, Amy Carnevale stated. “His pattern of illegal actions has escalated to the point of federal scrutiny. This is not a partisan issue; it’s about restoring trust in our elected officials. Representative Flanagan must resign immediately to uphold the integrity of the office he holds.”

MassGOP Vice Chair Judy Crocker, who represents the Cape and Islands on the Massachusetts Republican State Committee, echoed Chair Carnevale’s call for Representative Flanagan’s resignation, stating, “The residents of the 1st Barnstable District deserve a representative with integrity who prioritizes their interests—not someone under active federal investigation. From misleading voters into believing he had Republican support, to campaign finance violations documented by OCPF, and now reports of tens of thousands of dollars allegedly being stolen, it’s clear that the trust has been broken. The jig is up. Flanagan must resign so the people of the 1st Barnstable District can move forward with the honest and ethical representation they deserve.”

If Flanagan does not resign, there is precedent for the Democratic supermajority to expel one of its own members after a criminal investigation is opened. In 2014 lawmakers expelled former Rep. Carlos Henriquez after he was sentenced to six months’ imprisonment for domestic battery of his ex-girlfriend. This time, Lawmakers should not wait until a conviction, as it’s impossible for Flanagan to serve ethically under the cloud of a federal investigation.