Dear Neighbor,
This was a very busy election season in our district, with 3 very competitive races for open seats, 3 challenges to incumbents, and aactive campaigns for US Senate, DA and governor's council. It was encouraging to see many people willing to run and so many people wanting to campaign for them. There were many forums, many mail pieces, many social media posts, and lots of canvassing, calls, and texts. People reported being canvassed multiple times, sometimes by the same campaign. There were few ideological differences on state policy. In the state senate race, some people told me they wanted to vote for all four candidates.
Congratulations and best wishes to the successful candidates in our district. Except for Reps. Day and Donato, they are essentially elected, since there are no Republican candidates for those seats.
- Rep. Erika Uyterhoeven, will be senator in the 2nd Middlesex, where I serve now
- Councilor Ben Ewen-Campen, will represent the 27th Middlesex, where Rep. Uyterhoeven serves now
- Councilor Will Mbah, will represent the 34th Middlesex, where Christine Barber serves now
- Rep. Mike Connolly
- Rep. Marjorie Decker
- Rep. Mike Day (no opposition in primary; Republican opponent)
- Rep. Sean Garballey (no opposition)
- Rep. Paul Donato, (no opposition in primary; Republican opponent)
- Rep. Steve Owens, (no opposition)
- Rep. Dave Rogers
I hope to help the newly chosen legislators with their transitions; there is a lot to learn fast! When I retire in Januray, I will miss many things about being your senator. But I look forward to focusing on a few issues, especially preserving naturally occurring affordable housing. And maybe cleaning the cellar.
Already, there will be elections for city councilor in wards 2 and 3 in Somerville early next year, as councilors Ben Ewen-Campen and Jt Scott are resigning. As with this September 1 primary, turnout will be a challenge at an unusual time; and this one will be in the coldest part of the year.
I'll be writing more about housing very soon.
Stay in touch,
Pat Jehlen