Come 2027, there will be a new top prosecutor in Bristol County, Mass.

 

State Rep. Chris Markey, a Dartmouth Democrat, defeated Republican Seth Aitken in the election, garnering more than 54% of the vote.

 

The son of a former New Bedford mayor and judge, Markey told 12 News he was educated entirely in Bristol County, earning degrees from Stonehill College and what is now UMass Law School.

 

While in law school, Markey was a victim witness advocate. He then became an assistant district attorney in Fall River District Court, and later went into private practice.

 

“The big thing about this is the gratitude I feel for all the people who supported me,” Markey said Thursday. “It was amazing, along the way, to meet so many different people who were willing to do that.”

 

Markey will replace Thomas Quinn III, who’s been the district attorney for more than a decade. Markey said he has talked with Quinn since his victory and spoke very highly of him, while also saying he plans to put his own stamp on the DA’s office.

 

Markey said he will prioritize using technology to help prosecutors be more effective, which could include putting forensic labs in the district courts.

 

He also proposed hiring a forensic psychologist to consult when there are cases involving mental health issues, and he wants to give assistant district attorneys the best experience possible.

 

“That will make the system work a lot better in the long term,” he added. “I want to take pride in making sure we have great trial skills, then also the ability to evaluate cases properly.”

 

Markey and Aitken held their only televised debate in the 12 News studios last month. He called Aitken a class act, saying he received a gracious concession call from him.