Bristol County DA Thomas Quinn III Won’t Seek Re-Election

Bristol County District Attorney Thomas M. Quinn III announced today that he will not seek re-election to a fourth term this fall.

Quinn did not give a reason as to why he has chosen not to run again.

“It has been a great honor and privilege to serve the citizens of Bristol County. I will be forever grateful for the support I received from the DA's staff, my family, and members of the community when I was appointed by Governors Deval Patrick and Charlie Baker in 2015,” Quinn said in a release.

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A Career Rooted in Bristol County

Quinn was born in New Bedford and grew up in Dartmouth, graduating from Dartmouth High School in 1978.

“This community has always been more than the place I worked, it is my home,” Quinn said. “I have tried to be a District Attorney who listened, who respected differing perspectives, and who worked to ensure that justice was administered thoughtfully and fairly to all.”

He went on to the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, graduating in 1982 with a B.A. in History, and then graduated from Suffolk University Law School in Boston in 1988.

“I became a prosecutor nearly 40 years ago and have dedicated my career to the pursuit of justice,” Quinn said. “During that time, the courtroom became a second home. It is there that I learned the profound responsibility to uphold the law with fairness and integrity.”

Quinn served as an Assistant District Attorney at the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office from 1988 to 1997 before moving to private practice in Fall River, where he spent 10 years focusing on criminal defense. He then returned to the D.A.’s Office to serve as First Assistant District Attorney in 2007.

From Appointment to Re-Election

In December 2014, District Attorney Sam Sutter won a recall election to become mayor of Fall River. He resigned as D.A. on January 2, 2015, and then-Governor Deval Patrick appointed Quinn to serve as Acting District Attorney. When Charlie Baker was inaugurated a few days later, he confirmed Quinn to remain as District Attorney, and Quinn went on to win re-election in 2018 and 2022.

High-Profile Trials That Defined His Tenure

Shortly after he was appointed Bristol County D.A., Quinn oversaw the high-profile murder trial of New England Patriots star Aaron Hernandez, which ended in a conviction. In another trial that grabbed national headlines, he also oversaw the conviction of Michelle Carter for her role in the death of Conrad Roy III.

A Focus Beyond the Courtroom

During his time as D.A., Quinn also put a focus on issues such as protecting seniors from potential scams and other elder abuse. He also served as president of the Massachusetts District Attorneys Association.

“I want to thank the prosecutors, law enforcement officers, court personnel, and staff with whom I have had the privilege to work. I am also thankful to the residents of Bristol County for the trust they have placed in me over the years,” Quinn said. “I am very proud of our accomplishments during my time as District Attorney.”

Although he is not seeking re-election, Quinn said he remains committed to finishing out his term.

“I remain fully committed to carrying out the responsibilities of this office with the same dedication and focus that have guided my 28 years as a prosecutor,” Quinn said. “I will continue to fight for the victims and citizens of Bristol County as I complete my final year in office.”

What Comes Next for the District Attorney’s Office

Seth Aitken already announced his candidacy for Bristol County District Attorney last summer. He is the first Republican since 1974 to seek the office.