DANVERS — Danvers resident Sally P. Kerans was in the lead to fill 13th Essex District’s vacated representative seat as of the close of polls at 8 p.m. Tuesday.
Kerans’ campaign reported her the winner, taking her hometown by a landslide in a victory over Republican Robert E. May of Peabody with a final tally of 7,993 to 4,605, although May won in Peabody, 2,383 to 1,209, with some votes yet to be counted as of 9 p.m. in that district due to a broken ballot machine.
“I’m very pleased and gratified that people agreed with our message of sending someone to Beacon Hill who will be a good, strong advocate for our communities to deal with COVID, transportation, education, climate, and all of these very important issues,” Kerans said. “I’m looking forward to using my experience to get at them and make progress on them.”
In Peabody Ward 5, Kerans received 612 votes; May received 699. In Ward 6, Kerans received 697 votes and May got 985 votes.
This was May’s first run for elected office.
Three other Danvers candidates were on the ballot — William J. Bates, Jason Guida and Chris Keohane. The Danvers seat came into contention after long-time state Rep. Theodore Speliotos, announced he would retire in January, 2021.
The 13th Essex District in the Massachusetts House of Representatives includes Danvers, parts of Middleton, and parts of Peabody.
Kerans, a Democrat, served in the Massachusetts House from 1991 to 1997.
State Rep. Bradley H. Jones Jr., top Republican in the Massachusetts House of Representatives, faced a Tuesday challenge from Democrat and fellow North Reading resident Michelle Mullet.
With an endorsement from U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren, Mullet championed the Green New Deal while Jones touted his work on behalf of communities he represents, including North Reading, Reading, Middleton and Lynnfield, and Gov. Charlie Baker’s endorsement.
As of press time, results were not available and Jones spokesman Michael Smith and Mullet spokeswoman Betsey Chace said they could not comment on returns.
Tuesday saw most legislative races dominated by unopposed incumbents including state Sen. Joan Lovely (D) running for reelection in the 2nd Essex District representing Beverly, Danvers, Peabody, Salem, and Topsfield.
State Sen. Brendan Crighton ran unopposed in the 3rd Essex District representing Lynn, Lynnfield, Nahant, Saugus, and Marblehead.
State Rep. Lori Ehrlich who represents 8th Essex District representing Lynn, Marblehead and Swampscott was also unopposed along with state Rep. Donald Wong who represents the 9th Essex District representing Lynn, Lynnfield, Wakefield.
State Rep. Daniel Cahill representing the 10th Essex District (East Lynn) ran unopposed as did state Rep. Peter Capano who represents the 11th Essex District — West Lynn and Nahant.
Also unopposed was Revere City Councilor Jessica Giannino (D), who defeated her opponent, Joe Gravellese, in September’s Democratic primary. She will fill the 16th Suffolk state representative seat vacated by RoseLee Vincent earlier this year.
Elyse Carmosino can be reached at [email protected].
