Peake Announces Retirement From Long-held Legislative Seat

State Representative Sarah Peake announced Friday that she will not seek re-election when her current term ends Dec. 31.

The Provincetown Democrat is in her ninth term representing the Fourth Barnstable District, which stretches from Harwich to the Cape’s tip. She said she is announcing her retirement now to give potential candidates for the seat ample notice that it will be open.

“I’m announcing now because in the next couple of weeks nomination papers will become available, and potential candidates need time to plan,” she said.

“The Cape is in great hands with the current members of the delegation,” she said, adding that “the job comes with great responsibilities and I have taken those very seriously.” However, she added, “I’ve decided it’s time for me to step down and let someone else serve.”

Previously a member of the Provincetown Board of Selectmen, Peake was first elected to the seat in 2006 and is currently the second assistant majority leader in the House. She previously served as the third division floor leader, the House chair of the joint committee on municipalities and regional government and the joint committee on tourism, arts and cultural development.

She is also the Massachusetts legislative commissioner on the Atlantic State Marine Fisheries Commission, the House co-chair of the regional transit authority caucus and helped found the rural caucus.

During her tenure, Peake said she helped raise the profile of the district, which was previously perceived on Beacon Hill as a “playground for the rich with small needs.” State officials now understand “at a granular level” the challenges the district faces with the seasonal economy, housing problems and climate change.

Among the highlights of her tenure in office, Peake highlighted legislation that ensured the preservation of marriage equality; that abortions remain safe and legal; that Massachusetts has the strongest gun safety laws in the nation; and that Massachusetts is aggressively combating climate change. She was also instrumental in the creation of the Cape Cod and Islands Water Protection Fund, which provides a funding mechanism to help defray the cost of sewer projects on the Cape.

Peake said she plans to continue living in Provincetown and plans to enjoy the “wonders” the region has to offer, from beaches to arts and culture.

“I love the Cape, the Outer Cape specifically, so I have no plans to move anywhere,” she said.

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