House Speaker Robert DeLeo’s farewell speech drew a small audience Tuesday afternoon, but it was unlike his predecessors. Instead of addressing a chamber packed with rank-and-file members, the COVID-19 pandemic forced many lawmakers to watch DeLeo leave the post he’s held for 12 years virtually.
DeLeo, 70, will leave his post Tuesday night, ending his record-breaking run as speaker and three decades in office amid a pandemic that has killed more than 11,000 residents and infected some of his own colleagues.
“While this isn’t the farewell speech I’ve contemplated, I’m pleased to join you — even if remotely — because this format is a reflection of the way this Chamber has adjusted to COVID and accomplished so much this year,” the Winthrop Democrat said Tuesday afternoon on the House floor. “I’m proud of that.”
Thus ended DeLeo’s three decades in office and his tenure as speaker, after overseeing House legislation on gaming, gun control and, most recently, police reform and abortion access. He turns to Northeastern University for his next chapter as he explores job opportunities with his alma mater.
DeLeo was first elected to the House in 1991. He became House Ways and Means chairman in 2004 under Speaker Sal DiMasi and when the North End Democrat stepped down amid a criminal investigation, DeLeo took the helm as speaker.
He took control of the House during a global recession, working with then-Gov. Deval Patrick, a Democrat, on spending cuts and economic development initiatives to keep the state afloat. He avoided raising taxes on Massachusetts residents, but increased spending over the past 12 years.
“Sometimes it feels like those 12 years went by in an instant,” he said, “yet during that time Massachusetts has been led by two governors, from opposite parties, and four Senate presidents.”
In this March 2020 file photo, House Speaker Robert DeLeo announces the Massachusetts State House is closed to the public due to the coronavirus pandemic.
After DiMasi’s conviction on corruption charges, DeLeo came under scrutiny during a patronage case involving ex-probation commissioner John O’Brien as prosecutors called DeLeo an “unindicted co-conspirator.” An appeals court later overturned O’Brien and his deputies’ convictions. DeLeo said the appeals court decision was more proof that he did nothing wrong.
Barring any major surprises, DeLeo will be the first speaker in three decades to step down without the specter of impending criminal charges.
During his 12 years as speaker, he gained a reputation for advancing deals behind closed doors and keeping tight control of the House’s agendas, rarely getting a major bill passed without a veto-proof majority. Few openly criticized his leadership style except for Majority Leader Brad Jones and other Republicans, as well as progressives, both arguing he fails to promote transparency.
DeLeo left his colleagues with some advice: visit their colleagues’ districts if invited to do so and listen to differing view points, even if it means not prioritizing one’s district every time.
“I would come to learn that central to the role of speaker is recognizing that each and every member, regardless of their political persuasion, is sent to Beacon Hill with the exact same mandate: to ably represent their 40,000 constituents,” DeLeo said. “Throughout my tenure, I strove to listen deeply to my colleagues, keep an open mind, and identify solutions that work for the commonwealth, from the Berkshires to Boston.”
From left to right, Massachusetts Rep. Aaron Michlewitz, House Speaker Robert DeLeo and Rep. Ronald Mariano discuss a transportation revenue bill earlier this year.
DeLeo’s most likely successor is Majority Leader Ron Mariano, a Quincy Democrat who was elected around the same time. A retired teacher, Mariano became known for his expertise in health care and financial services, working on the state’s landmark health care reform bill of 2006 and other major proposals. As DeLeo’s second in command, Mariano has built relationships with representatives across the state and struck deals on the speaker’s behalf on casinos, gun control, transportation and other major bills.
Rep. Russell Holmes vied to replace DeLeo as speaker, announcing his candidacy in an email mid-December. He soon learned, however, that Mariano had already amassed verbal commitments from legislators all over the state. He told Mariano on Wednesday he would end his bid for speaker.
“My thought was I could go in here and just be a sore loser like what we’ve been seeing our president be … or I can be respectful and respect the process and say ‘OK I lost, I’ll be supportive of the Democrats and of the caucus and move forward with Ron,’” Holmes said in an interview with MassLive Monday afternoon.
State representatives are expected to vote for DeLeo’s successor during caucus on Wednesday, after DeLeo’s resignation takes effect.
“I know Massachusetts faces as great a challenge now with the pandemic, but you know what?” DeLeo said. “I know that I have unyielding faith in this institution, its people and its leadership, that this House is going to rise to the occasion, and our great state will continue to lead the nation.”
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