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Vega Staying Put, Will not Run for Knapik’s Seat

BREAKING: This is a developing story. More details when we have them

Holyoke State Representative Aaron Vega has announced in a statement that he will not seek the seat of former Senator Michael Knapik.

In his statement, Vega cited family & political obligations, including the child he and his wife ate expecting. Other matters Vega voted were his commitment to fill out his Council term and teaching a class this Fall at UMass-Amherst.

Vega had pulled papers earlier this week amid an outpouring of support from both the grassroots and political leaders.  However, shortly after Knapik’s resignation announcement, sources pegged Vega as a maybe leaning against a bid.

The seat opened when Knapik unexpectedly resigned to take a job at Westfield State University. So far Republican Westfield Rep Dom Humanson, retiring Easthampton mayor Mike Tautznik and Holyoke City Councilor David Bartley, the latter two both Democrats, are the only candidates. Holyoke Republican perennial candidate Mike Franco has also pulled papers.

The district includes Agawam,  Easthampton, Holyoke, Southampton, Southwick, Westfield, many of the Hill towns, and parts of Chicopee.