BOSTON -- Sonia Chang-Diaz told reporters Friday that she was shocked and saddened by state Sen. Dianne Wilkerson's arrest on bribery charges this week and that she is slightly relieved Wilkerson decided to end her campaign, which Chang-Diaz said is in the best interest of the district.

It was the first time Chang-Diaz, a Jamaica Plain Democrat, addressed reporters since Wilkerson's arrest and on the heels of Wilkerson ending her campaign Friday.

Chang-Diaz said Wilkerson's arrest and allegations that she accepted $23,500 in bribes has been surprising and saddening. In particular, Chang-Diaz said that the events have caused voters to "question whether they can trust elected leaders to act with the best interests of the community at heart."

The Democrat focused on her message of change, ethics and accountability. "On Sept. 16," she said, "the voters said yes to this proposition."

Chang-Diaz also said that she is ready to "go to the mat for the constituents of the 2nd Suffolk." "We all know solutions won't happen overnight," she said, "but I can tell you I will work, from day one, to build coalitions both in and outside the State House necessary to pass the legislation we need."

Chang-Diaz was asked by reporter if she was at all relieved now that Wilkerson, a Boston Democrat, ended her write-in campaign that she launched after losing to Chang-Diaz in the Democratic primary. Chang-Diaz said the events of this week have caused "mixed emotions" and that a sense of relief was "about Sen. Wilkerson making the choice that was in the best interest of the community."

Chang-Diaz would not, however, say that Wilkerson should resign.