Cambridge city councilor says he will not seek reelection following brothel-bust charges
Cambridge City Councilor Paul Toner said he will not seek reelection after being charged with allegedly buying sex in connection with a Boston-area brothel ring bust.
“As candidates have begun pulling nomination papers for the coming City Council election, I am writing to inform you that I have made the decision not to seek re-election,” Toner said in a Facebook post Monday. “I believe I would be successful in a run for re-election, and I am deeply grateful to the many friends and supporters who have reached out over the past few months to offer me their continued support and have encouraged me to run for another term.”
Toner is one of 28 men charged in the spring with buying sex from a large-scale Boston-area brothel ring busted last year, and the only public official named in the case so far. Three leaders of the ring have pleaded guilty to related crimes, including sex trafficking.
Despite calls to resign following the charges, Toner has remained in his position on the Cambridge City Council, saying at a March council meeting he has the “right to due process.”
As of Monday though, the councilor said he has “decided to complete my current term and take a step back from elective office to explore other opportunities.” Toner did not mention his pending charges in the Facebook announcement Monday.
Toner, the former president of the Massachusetts Teachers Association, said he intends to continue to be “active in Cambridge civic life as a private citizen.”
Toner was first elected to the position in November 2021 and is in his second term on the council.
“Thank you all for your grace, friendship and support over the years,” Toner wrote. “During my final six months in office please let me know how I can best serve you on the council.”
