Politics
Morrissey has weathered criticism over his office’s handling of several controversial cases.
Embattled Norfolk County District Attorney Michael Morrissey announced Monday he will not seek reelection to the office he has held since 2010, ending a decades-long career in public office.
“After thorough consideration, I have decided not to seek reelection this November,” Morrissey said in a statement. “I am extremely proud of the work I have accomplished during my 15 years as Norfolk District Attorney, and I believe the time is right for me to start a new chapter in my life.”
As the county’s lead prosecutor, Morrissey and his team took point on some of the highest profile cases Massachusetts has seen in recent years, from the Karen Read and Brian Walshe murder trials to the Sandra Birchmore death investigation. He weathered his fair share of controversy and criticism, particularly over his office’s handling of the Read and Birchmore cases.
Prosecutors had accused Read of drunkenly backing her SUV into her boyfriend, Boston Police Officer John O’Keefe. But, after a 2024 mistrial and highly publicized retrial, jurors acquitted her of all but a drunk driving misdemeanor. All told, Morrissey’s office spent more than $1.4 million retrying Read.
In Birchmore’s case, the Norfolk DA’s office initially declared the 23-year-old’s 2021 death a suicide, but federal authorities later accused a former Stoughton police detective of killing Birchmore and staging it to look like she killed herself.
A former state lawmaker, Morrissey was first elected DA in 2010.
“I ran for this office to stand up for victims and give them a voice,” he said Monday. “I am proud to have done so for countless victims over the years and am deeply grateful for the trust placed in me and in the Norfolk District Attorney’s Office.”
Morrissey thanked Massachusetts State Police and local law enforcement, as well as community partners and employees in the district attorney’s office.
“Their dedication and professionalism have been instrumental in strengthening Norfolk County and making it a safer place to live and work,” he added.
Four candidates have already entered the race to replace Morrissey: former federal prosecutor Adam Deitch, ex-Suffolk County prosecutors Djuna Perkins and Craig MacLellan, and public defense attorney Jim Barakat.
“Michael Morrissey’s decision to not seek re-election is the right one,” Perkins said in a statement. “Now, residents of Norfolk County have the opportunity to elect a qualified District Attorney committed to the pursuit of justice — free from bias, conflict, and political entanglements.”
Deitch likewise wished Morrissey “only the best as he moves on.”
“Norfolk County deserves a new, credible, outside perspective to restore faith and confidence and build a DA’s Office defined by fairness, integrity, and professionalism,” Deitch said in a statement.
Reflecting on his tenure Monday, Morrissey expressed pride in his office’s track record.
“Being District Attorney is about pursuing justice with integrity and fairness,” he said. “I am incredibly proud of the meaningful work our office has accomplished, both in the courtroom and throughout the community.”
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