Taunton City Councilor Kelly Dooner has announced her candidacy for the state senate seat currently held by Marc Pacheco, who is retiring.

The seat covers the Town of Wareham, among other communities.

“I love Massachusetts, and I love my hometown of Taunton,’’ Dooner, a Republican, said at her campaign announcement March 14. “As many of you know, Louis and I are getting married this summer. Our plans are to raise our family here, so I could not be more invested in the future of our state and communities. We have a chance to send a new voice to Beacon Hill to fight for our future. We can restore common sense, implement good fiscal policy and we can protect the taxpayers.’’ 

Dooner said in her campaign announcement statement that she is “committed to making Massachusetts affordable, ending the costly migrant situation that is taking away resources from the communities, improving the economy by helping small businesses, strengthening public safety, helping seniors and veterans, and ensuring every child receives a quality education.’’

Dooner said she is the only candidate who has worked in the private sector and wants to encourage the small business community.  “Our state needs a thriving economy where businesses want to relocate to Massachusetts. Working with Mayor Shaunna O’Connell, we have implemented good policies that have created growth. Last year Taunton had 171 businesses register in our city. I want to take this philosophy to Beacon Hill. I will work to cut the hefty registration fees that hold back entrepreneurs from starting in Massachusetts. It is time to be about opportunities not deterrents.’’

Dooner was elected to the Taunton City Council in 2021, being the youngest woman ever elected to the City Council. She has served as the President of the City Council, worked to make Taunton a Purple Heart City, and worked with O’Connell on doubling the senior tax credit.

Dooner is a lifelong resident of Massachusetts. She earned her paralegal certificate in applied legal studies at Boston University.  

Dooner has been actively involved in the Massachusetts Young Republicans and serves on their Executive Board as the National State Committeewoman.