While all eyes were on the national political scene Tuesday night, there were a relative handful of contested races for the Massachusetts House and Senate that were decided. It was a good night for the incumbents, and one newcomer.
Democrat Adam Hinds, running for office for the first time, beat Republican Christine Canning for the state Senate seat that includes parts of all four western counties. He’ll replace outgoing Senator Ben Downing. Hinds said he had an approach that was attractive to voters.
“It’s about showing that we can do politics differently here in the context of a chaotic national scene,” Hinds said. “And combine that with a lot of experience I hope to bring to the table, when it comes to negotiations and bringing people together to build a strong collation, and be a strong voice for western Mass.”
Hinds hosted his election night party with incumbent Pittsfield state Representative Tricia Farley-Bouvier. The Democrat won her third full-term, defeating City Councilor Chris Connell. Farley-Bouvier said voters delivered a message on Tuesday.
“That they care about a progressive, effective legislator,” Farley-Bouvier said. “That’s what they wanted, that’s what they see in me. I’m really proud to be part of Team Pittsfield.”
In the First Hampden and Hampshire Senate district, Democrat Eric Lesser was re-elected over Republican Chip Harrington. Harrington had the backing of Governor Charlie Baker, who spent a Sunday afternoon with him, watching the Patriots at a Springfield bar.
“We were flattered by it a little bit, honestly, that he thought it was worth his time,” Lesser said. “That’s in the past now. We’re just kind of focused on moving ahead. It was a big, big win and a big victory, and we’re grateful for that.”
State Senator Don Humason also was sent back to Boston, winning in the Second Hampden and Hampshire, as he beat back the challenge of Democrat J.D. Parker-O’Grady. Humason is the only Republican senator from this side of the state.
“Most of the time, especially in western Mass., we find ourselves, Republicans and Democrats, working together because we’re so outnumbered, and we’re so far from the capital,” Humason said. “I pride myself on being able to work well with my colleagues in the House and Senate, Democrats and Republicans.”
Other Senate incumbents winning contested races Tuesday include Democrats Ann Gobi and Senate President Stan Rosenberg.
On the House side, Republican Nicholas Boldyga and Democrat Jose Tosado were both re-elected from their respective Hampden County districts.
