Former Prosecutor Chris Markey Seeks Bristol County DA Role

Markey touts his experience handling high-profile felony cases as he runs to replace retiring incumbent Thomas Quinn III.

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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Chris Markey, a state representative and former assistant district attorney in Bristol County, is running for the position of Bristol County District Attorney. Markey, who previously prosecuted cases of murder, rape, and child abuse, is emphasizing his trial experience as he seeks to replace the retiring incumbent Thomas Quinn III. Markey's campaign proposals include adding a forensic psychologist to the DA's office, creating a digital forensics lab in each district court, and providing more training to prosecutors.

Why it matters

Markey's bid for the Bristol County District Attorney's office comes at a time when the criminal justice system in the region has faced scrutiny, including a Boston Globe investigation into the New Bedford police's use of confidential informants and ongoing questions around the 2021 police shooting of Anthony Harden in Fall River. Markey's experience as a prosecutor and his reform proposals could shape the direction of the DA's office.

The details

Markey previously served as an assistant district attorney in Bristol County, handling high-profile felony cases in the late 1990s and early 2000s. He left the office in 2007 when the new district attorney, Sam Sutter, replaced much of the staff. Markey has since worked in private practice and served as a state representative. In his campaign, Markey is proposing to add a forensic psychologist to the DA's office to help divert defendants with mental health issues away from the criminal justice system. He also wants to create a digital forensics lab in each district court to make evidence collection more efficient. Additionally, Markey says he would provide more training to prosecutors to help them keep cases moving and secure convictions.

  • Markey joined the Bristol County District Attorney's office as a victim witness advocate in 1990.
  • Markey was hired as an assistant district attorney in District Court after earning his law degree in 1994.
  • Markey later prosecuted serious felonies in Superior Court in the late 1990s and early 2000s.
  • Markey left the Bristol County DA's office in 2007 when the new district attorney, Sam Sutter, replaced much of the staff.
  • Markey announced his candidacy for Bristol County District Attorney in early 2026, after incumbent Thomas Quinn III said he would not seek reelection.

The players

Chris Markey

A Dartmouth state representative who previously worked as an assistant district attorney in Bristol County, prosecuting high-profile felony cases in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Markey is now running for the position of Bristol County District Attorney.

Thomas Quinn III

The current Bristol County District Attorney who announced he would not seek reelection, opening the door for Markey's candidacy.

Sam Sutter

The Bristol County District Attorney who replaced much of the staff, including Markey, when he took office in 2007.

Seth Aitken

The former Fall River City Administrator who is also running for Bristol County District Attorney as a Republican, the first GOP candidate for the historically uncompetitive seat since 1974.

Eric Mack

The brother of Anthony Harden, a man shot and killed by Fall River police in 2021, who has battled the district attorney's office for more information about the incident.

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What they’re saying

“I've always thought about it, but when Tom said he wasn't going to run again, it was an easy decision.”

— Chris Markey (The New Bedford Light)

“It's disappointing.”

— Chris Markey (The New Bedford Light)

“You're the only one who believed my daughter.”

— Rape victim's father (The New Bedford Light)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

Markey's bid for Bristol County District Attorney highlights the need for reform in the local criminal justice system, including addressing issues around police misconduct and improving the efficiency and transparency of the prosecutor's office. His experience as a former prosecutor and his reform proposals could shape the direction of the DA's office if he is elected.