WORCESTER, Mass. - Robyn Kennedy, the executive director of the YWCA of Central Massachusetts, announced her bid for the state Senate seat being vacated after Senator Harriette Chandler retires. 

Kennedy made the announcement Wednesday at Elm Park in Worcester. She spent several years in the state house working with then state Senator, and now City Manager, Ed Augustus, as well as in former Gov. Deval Patrick’s office. 

Kennedy said she wants to continue the legacy of Sen. Chandler, but bring a new perspective and fight for the rights of women and families for things like affordable housing and child care.

“As a daughter of Worcester, I stand before you today to announce my candidacy for state Senate,” Kennedy said during her announcement. “As the next senator from Worcester, I will bring new energy and point of view to build on the legacy of bold leadership this district expects and deserves.”

Senator Chandler announced in January she would not seek re-election. 

Last month, Worcester mayor Joseph Petty also filed for a change of committee as a candidate for state senate with the state’s Office of Campaign and Political Finance.