State Sen. Susan Fargo has announced today that she is not seeking a ninth term to her seat, which includes Waltham.

"I have thoroughly enjoyed my work in the Senate," Fargo said in a statement to Patch. "I am looking forward to spending more time with my family, and I think it's the right time for me to allow someone else to represent this amazing district."

Fargo occupies the 3rd Middlesex District seat, which includes Waltham, Bedford, Carlisle, Chelmsford, Concord, Lincoln, Weston and parts of Sudbury and Lexington.

Mike Barrett, a Lexington resident who is running for Fargo's seat, hailed her decision.

"Susan's doing this so early in the year is a class act.  Her timing ensures the process will continue to provide voters a choice.  Now, other good candidates can join me in the field.  Susan is leaving public service the way she entered, with a special combination of toughness, eloquence and intelligence."

Fargo, the second longest serving woman in the state senate, was first elected in 1996 and has since served on several committees. She is currently the Senate Chairman for the Public Health Committee where she sponsored the 2004 law that banned smoking in the workplace. 

Fargo has also written other legislation including a bill that prohibits non-consensual video surveillance of individuals in lockers rooms and other sensitive areas. She also authored a bill that replaced 9,000 defective bulletproof vests worn by state and local police officers.

"Working in the Senate has been an outstanding experience, and I feel honored to have represented such an historically significant district. From the birthplace of America’s democracy in Lincoln, Lexington and Concord and to the beginning of the Industrial Revolution on the Charles River in Waltham, this district now leads the way in life sciences. I love that I have played a role in helping people be healthier."