BOSTON (WBZ-AM) -- In a release Thursday afternoon, Sen. Karen Spilka and Senate President Harriette Chandler announced they have decided Spilka will assume leadership of the chamber on July 23.
“This certainty in timing and in outcome allows the Senate to have a smooth transition, and to continue, without disruption, its pursuit of our economic, social, and civil justice priorities," the joint release read.
Sen. Spilka of Ashford, currently the Senate Ways and Means chair, announced Wednesday that she had the votes required to become Senate President.
Only one month earlier, Chandler had been named president through the end of the year.
Chandler had previously served as Acting President after former Senate President Stan Rosenberg took a leave of absence related to the sexual misconduct investigation into his husband.
Rosenberg's husband, Bryon Hefner, was indicted a week ago on felony sex charges.
"Senate President Chandler has served the Senate admirably in these challenging times," Sen. Spilka said in the release. "I look forward to continuing to benefit from her wise counsel throughout my presidency, as I have during the many years of our friendship."
Spilka said she has asked Chandler to stay on as a member of her leadership team.
"Chairwoman Spilka and I have been long-time friends and colleagues, and I am pleased to be handing the Senate over to a strong leader who will continue to lead us into the future," Chandler said. "I look forward to working with her closely through the coming months, and into next session."