Republican challenger Talos Farris sharply criticizes Rep. Alan Silvia’s new support to audit legislature as political opportunism

FALL RIVER, MA – Talos Farris, candidate for State Representative in the 7th Bristol District, released a statement today sharply criticizing incumbent Representative Alan Silvia’s recent amicus brief regarding the legislative audit. Farris believes the incumbent’s sudden shift is a transparent political maneuver during an election year.

“In 2024, the people of Massachusetts spoke clearly,” Farris said. “They overwhelmingly supported giving the State Auditor the authority to audit the Legislature. That wasn’t a close call—it was a mandate. But instead of standing with the voters from the start, Alan Silvia stood with the Beacon Hill Democrats and voted against transparency when it actually mattered.”

Farris noted that Silvia’s recent legal brief supporting State Auditor Diana DiZoglio only comes after voters had to bypass the legislature entirely, stating Silvia spent his previous term voting “no” on key procedural efforts to open the books. Rep. Silvia said his initial “no” vote on earlier procedural matters was cast after the Speaker of the House agreed to “work with the Auditor.” More than a year later, Rep. Silvia says that agreement has not been fulfilled.

“Representative Silvia expects us to believe he was just waiting on a broken promise from the Speaker,” Farris continued. “People are paying attention right now, and they see right through it. This issue isn’t just about an audit; it’s about whether your State Representative is willing to stand firm when it matters most, or if he just bows to partisan leadership until their seat is on the line.”

Farris framed Silvia’s delayed action as part of a broader, systemic problem on Beacon Hill.

“Too many people already feel like their voices aren’t being heard,” he said. “When something as clear as a voter-approved mandate is delayed or debated instead of acted upon, it reinforces that concern. The 7th Bristol District deserves consistent and steadfast leadership—a leadership that acts on principle immediately, rather than waiting two years for public pressure to boil over. We deserve a representative who is present and willing to take a stand from the beginning.”

Farris, a Navy combat veteran and the current Director of Veterans Services for Fall River, states that steadfastness, affordability, and community-focused independence is the centerpieces of his campaign.

“In the military, we are taught that integrity means doing the right thing when it’s difficult—not just when it’s politically convenient,” Farris concluded. “That’s the standard I will bring to Beacon Hill. When I am elected, I will fight for open processes and real support of the will of the people. Because representation should mean something, and the voices of our community should never come second to the Beacon Hill power brokers.”