GOP Urges Cape Rep To Step Down
Flanagan Says He Won’t “Engage In Political Mudslinging”
STATE HOUSE, BOSTON, JAN. 7, 2025…..While prosecutors have not alleged any wrongdoing or crimes, state Republican Party leaders called Tuesday for a Democrat state representative from Cape Cod to resign, and Rep. Christopher Flanagan of Dennis fired back that the GOP is engaging in “political mudslinging.”
Police on Friday said they referred “potential criminal activity” involving Flanagan to federal investigators, and the GOP issued a statement Tuesday asking him to step down, or be expelled by his House colleagues.
MassGOP officials said they believe Flanagan, who is beginning his second term, is no longer fit to serve.
“Representative Flanagan has repeatedly misled the public and violated campaign finance laws, as documented by OCPF,” said MassGOP Chair Amy Carnevale. “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.”
In a statement, Flanagan criticized the MassGOP for “political mudslinging.”
“Especially on the eve of Jan. 6, I’m not going to engage in political mudslinging. I’m proud to represent everyone in my district, whether they are Democrats, Republicans, or unaffiliated,” Flanagan said in a statement first reported by the Boston Herald.
State regulators last spring concluded that Flanagan violated campaign finance law and then lied about it to officials. As a result, the Flanagan campaign purged $10,580 in excess contributions and paid a $6,000 penalty. Flanagan also agreed to pay a personal penalty of $9,000.
On Friday, Barnstable police announced they received a complaint in October alleging “potential criminal activity” involving Flanagan and the “Chris Flanagan for State Representative for the 1st Barnstable District” campaign. The department said the office of the U.S. attorney for Massachusetts “adopted the investigation” in December.
So far, it appears that no charges have been filed formally accusing Flanagan of any criminal activity. A spokesperson for U.S. Attorney Joshua Levy’s office said the department does not confirm nor deny the existence of investigations.
“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,” MassGOP said in its press release Tuesday.
They also suggested the case of former Rep. Carlos Henriquez as a “precedent.”
In 2014, the House voted 146-5 to expel Henriquez after he was convicted for assault and battery against a former girlfriend.
Asked if House Speaker Ron Mariano agreed with the GOP’s call for Flanagan to resign before any charges have been filed, a spokesperson replied, “Given that there appears to be an active investigation by law enforcement, we will refrain from making any additional comments.”
Mariano in the spring condemned Flanagan’s actions as uncovered by the OCPF investigation.
“Representative Flanagan’s behavior was wrong and the OCPF findings are certainly concerning and have been addressed by the appropriate regulatory authorities,” he said at the time. “The House has its own procedures for investigating complaints regarding Members, should that process be initiated.”
Flanagan cruised to reelection in November, winning 56% of the vote against Republican challenger Gerald Joseph O’Connell, who earned 43%.
