FAIRHAVEN — Mark Sylvia, a Fairhaven resident and Town Moderator, announced his candidacy for Massachusetts State Representative in the 10th Bristol district.

The seat has been held since 1992 by Rep. Bill Straus (D-Mattapoisett), who announced in March he would not seek re-election.

Sylvia said he will fight for “affordable healthcare and housing and for an economy that works for everyone” in a May 7 statement announcing his candidacy. 

“I will fight for our fair share of state aid for schools, public safety, our seniors and veterans, for pathways to grow our small businesses and support our fishing industry, and for continued investment in the South Coast’s transportation system,” Sylvia said in the statement.

Currently the chief of staff at BlueWave Solar, Sylvia was previously the Undersecretary of Energy and Commissioner of Energy Resources for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. 

“We can do all this while creating more jobs and protecting our climate and the environment,” Sylvia said in the statement. “That is the promise of the amazing place we all love and my commitment to you.” 

Sylvia was also town manager of Plymouth and previously served on the Fairhaven School Committee. He grew up in and attended Fairhaven public schools, according to a press release announcing his candidacy.

Old Rochester Regional School Committee member Joe Pires, a Rochester resident, and Robert McConnell, a Fairhaven resident, have also announced their candidacies for the 10th Bristol district state representative seat.