Gov. Maura Healey nominated a seven-term Democratic representative from Beverly to serve as an associate justice of the District Court, a move that could set the stage for a special election after residents handed the lawmaker another two-year term.

The governor turned to Rep. Jared Parisella, who has served in the Legislature for more than a decade, is a U.S. Army veteran, and helped negotiate a massive $4 billion jobs bill packed with policy proposals that Healey signed this month.

Healey said Parisella is a “true public servant who knows what it means to deliver for the people of Massachusetts.”

“We believe that he has the knowledge, the compassion, and the experience to excel on the District Court. We’re excited for him to continue his service to the state, and we look forward to working with Governor’s Council as they consider his nomination,” Healey said in a statement.

Parisella handedly beat Republican Ty Vitale in the November general election with 71% of the vote, an outcome that gave him another two years in the House for the 2025-2026 legislative session.

The Beverly Democrat raised more than $18,500 and spent $13,816 in campaign funds this year, according to state data last updated Oct. 31. Parisella had more than $65,400 in his campaign account as of the same date.

A spokesperson for House Speaker Ron Mariano did not provide a response to questions about a potential special election, though Parisella’s nomination still needs to be approved by the Governor’s Council and he needs to submit a letter of resignation.

In a message to the Herald, Parisella said he plans to serve “as a state representative until hopefully such time as I am confirmed and sworn in.”

In a statement, Mariano said Parisella’s legislative work and three decades in the Army show he “dedicated his life to public service.”

“Jerry’s commitment to helping others, along with his breadth of experience and deep understanding of the issues, has made him an invaluable asset to the House,” Mariano said. “Those same attributes also make Jerry the right choice to serve as an Associate Justice of the District Court, a role that, when confirmed, he will be successful in.”

The District Court hears everything from criminal and civil cases to housing and juvenile matters.

Parisella’s nomination is Healey’s 50th judicial pick.

Gov. Maura Healey (Photo By Matt Stone/Boston Herald, File)