After being accused of purchasing sex in connection with a brothel ring bust in the Boston region, Cambridge City Councilor Paul Toner announced he will not run for reelection.
In a Facebook post on Monday, Toner stated, “I am writing to inform you that I have made the decision not to seek re-election, as candidates have started pulling nomination papers for the upcoming City Council election.” The numerous friends and supporters who have contacted me in recent months to express their ongoing support and to encourage me to run for another term are very appreciated, and I am confident that I would be successful in a re-election campaign.
Toner is the only public figure named in the case thus far and one of 28 men accused in the spring with purchasing sex from a massive brothel ring that was discovered last year in the Boston region. Three of the ring’s leaders have entered guilty pleas to charges linked to sex trafficking.
Toner has stayed on the Cambridge City Council despite calls to step down in the wake of the allegations, claiming at a council meeting in March that he is entitled to due process.
However, the councilor announced on Monday that he has made the decision to serve out my remaining term and step away from political government in order to pursue other options. In the Facebook announcement on Monday, Toner made no mention of his outstanding accusations.
As a private citizen, Toner, the previous president of the Massachusetts Teachers Association, stated that he plans to stay involved in Cambridge civic life.
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Toner is now serving his second term on the council, having been elected to the post in November 2021.
Toner added, “Thank you all for your support, friendship, and grace over the years.” Please let me know how I may be of the most assistance to you on the council during my last six months in office.
