BOSTON — Attorney General Maura Healey will be the state’s first elected female and openly gay governor, after she and running mate Kimberley Driscoll, the mayor of Salem, claimed victory in the race for governor Tuesday night, fending off Republican challengers Geoff Diehl and Leah Cole Allen.
The Associated Press called the race for Healey and Driscoll shortly after the polls closed. As of press time Tuesday, with about 15 percent of votes reported, Healey was ahead by nearly 100,000 votes.
Healey and Driscoll’s victories return Democrats to power in the governor’s office after Republicans Charlie Baker and Karyn Polito held the governorship and lieutenant governorship for eight years before deciding against running for a third term.
In speeches to supporters at an election night event, Healey and Driscoll acknowledged their election as a historical achievement.
Before Healey could speak, chants of “Maura, Maura” rang out amongst the hundreds gathered here. In her remarks, Healey said she would be a “governor for every one.”
“I’m here tonight because of the people across this state who’ve taken the time to talk to me about their life and about their dreams,” she said. “I’ll work with anyone who’s up for making a difference in this state.”
Healey also acknowledged her role as a trailblazer — saying she hoped she could inspire young women and LGBTQ people that they could do anything they set their mind to.
“I stand before you tonight proud to be the first woman and the first gay person elected governor,” she said. “I hope tonight shows you that you can be whatever whoever you want to be … nothing and no one can ever get in your way.”
Driscoll said when she first campaigned to become mayor of Salem she was told that the city wasn’t ready for a female mayor. After becoming the city’s first female mayor, she said she is glad she didn’t wait.
“Here in Massachusetts we don’t settle, we lead,” Driscoll said. “Here in Massachusetts we don’t settle, we lead. We need leaders who understand the power of our communities. This is a moment in history, let’s soak it in.”
Healey praised her running mate, saying the state is “lucky” to have Driscoll serving as the next lieutenant governor.
She said the overwhelming support she received from voters statewide represented a “historic opportunity.”
“We’re going to ignore the noise and focus on improving people’s lives,” Healey said. “The people of Massachusetts expect us to lead and expect us to act.”
“This is your time, this is our time. Together we’ll build a stronger Massachusetts for everyone. I know we can do it,” Healey concluded, garnering rapturous applause from the crowd.
As of press time, Democrats are also projected to win several other competitive statewide races, with former Boston City Councilor Andrea Campbell winning the race for attorney general over Jay McMahon, and state Sen. Diana DiZoglio edging out a victory in the race for auditor over Swampscott Republican Anthony Amore.
Boston Mayor Michelle Wu thanked attendees for supporting the entire local Democratic slate.
“We need it. Our communities need it. Our country needs it,” Wu said. “We have shattered the highest glass ceiling and tonight in Massachusetts we have elected the first ever female governor-liuetenant governor power duo.”
U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren added that “here at home in Massachusetts, we’ve got a lot to celebrate.”
