Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick has named William "Mo'' Cowan, a former top aide, to serve as interim U.S. senator for Massachusetts until a special election is held to fill the seat left vacant by John Kerry. Cowan is a North Carolina native and Duke University graduate, and will be Massachusett’s second African-American U.S. Senator.
Patrick formally announced his selection at a Statehouse news conference on Wednesday, calling Cowan a trusted adviser and friend who has earned the respect of people throughout government. The 43-year-old Cowan said he was humbled by the appointment. He stepped down as the governor's chief-of-staff last month after previously serving as chief legal counsel. He has been with the Patrick-Murray Administration since 2009.
Cowan says he has no plans to run for any public office in the future and would return to the private sector after his interim appointment.