It's Official: Charlestown's Remmes Announces Run for Vacant House Seat

Less than 24 hours after long-time state Rep. Eugene O'Flaherty announced that he was leaving his seat to become legal consul to newly-installed Boston Mayor Marty Walsh, Charlestown Realtor Chris Remmes made it official today, Tuesday, Jan. 7 that he is running to succeed O'Flaherty as Second Suffolk State Representative on Beacon Hill.

"My parents instilled in their children a strong work ethic, appreciation for education, the values of loyalty and community, and obligation to serve.  I’m running because I want to give back to my community and be a forward thinking, active, and accessible State Representative," said Remmes, 48, who is Chair of the Charlestown Democratic Ward Committee

A graduate of Catholic Memorial High School and the Massachusetts Maritime Academy, Remmes, who is 48, received his Master of Business Administration from Boston University.  

Born in Milton, Chris – one of four children and the son of a union attorney and postal worker – has been a Charlestown resident for the past 20 years.

"I look forward to knocking on doors in every neighborhood of the district and having conversations with voters to hear their concerns. I will listen, be responsive, and provide bold, progressive leadership for Charlestown and Chelsea," said Remmes. 

Remmes’ announced in December the launch of an exploratory committee to gauge support for a campaign against the incumbent, garnering $23,450 in donations from family, friends and neighbors.

As Chair of the Charlestown Democratic Ward Committee, Remmes played a key role organizing one of the City’s first Mayoral Forums in Charlestown earlier this year. Remmes is a member of the Human Rights Campaign, and has been active in numerous local political campaigns for progressive candidates.

Upon hearing the news O’Flaherty would be resigning his seat, Remmes said, “I’d like to congratulate Rep. O’Flaherty for his service to the district and wish him my very best in his new role serving our great city in the Walsh Administration.”