Moving past the recent state primary elections on September 3rd, William Galvin’s office, the Secretary of the Commonwealth, reveals an exciting lineup of contenders for the November 5 general election. Unfortunately, the list was notably devoid of strong opposition, as most incumbents in MetroWest and Greater Milford seem set to run uncontested.
Taking stock, we mainly find Democratic incumbents in the third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth Middlesex. These elected representatives preside over districts encompassing areas such as Hudson, Framingham, Marlborough, Natick, and Wayland, and what’s disappointing is they seem to be facing no real opposition, stifling the robust political debate that is the lifeblood of our democracy.
Meanwhile, the 14th Norfolk and Eighth Worcester also boast unopposed candidates. The former, overseen by Democrat Rep. Alice Peisch, includes Wellesley, Weston, and Precinct 2 in Lincoln, while the latter, a strangely calm political frontline for Republican Rep. Michael Soter, involves Bellingham, Blackstone, Millville, and parts of Medway and Uxbridge.
Unexpectedly, the Tenth Worcester is also home to an unopposed candidate, Democratic Rep. Brian Murray. This district incorporating Hopedale, Mendon, and Milford presents yet another questionable scenario, where one envisions a healthy political competition but instead stumbles upon a rather indifferent political landscape.
Amidst the wave of uncontested candidacies, three state representatives in 13th Middlesex, 10th Norfolk, and 19th Worcester are actually facing worthy adversaries. Perhaps indicating a glimmer of open democratic discourse where voters can actually weigh in and make a difference.
In the 13th Middlesex, Democratic Rep. Carmine Gentile is being challenged by the determined Republican Virginia Gardner. This district represents areas like Marlborough, Sudbury, Wayland, Lincoln, and Concord, which are now witnessing an engaging contest.
Necessity of opposition becomes evident in the 10th Norfolk, where Democrat incumbent Jeffrey Roy is being held to account by Republican challenger Charles F. Bailey III. This competition, encompassing the entirety of Franklin and parts of Medway, is a refreshing shift from the prevalent narrative of uncontested races.
Bringing diversity to the political landscape, the 19th Worcester has Democrat Rep. Kate Donaghue being challenged by Boyd Stewart Conklin. What makes Conklin stand out dramatically is his distinct political alignment, labelled as ‘Massachusetts Great Again’. Interesting to see how this contest pans out.
Incumbent senators are also feeling the heat for a change. State Sen. Becca Rausch, D-Needham, faces Dashe Videira of Franklin’s Republican Town Committee in the Norfolk, Worcester, and Middlesex District. It’s good to see the Commonwealth, despite being overwhelmingly blue, offering a serious Republican response to Rausch’s attempt at a fourth term.
In another titanic clash, State Sen. Ryan Fattman, R-Sutton, squares off against Democrat Anthony Allard for the Worcester and Hampden District seat. The range of areas this district covers adds to the electoral significance and the drama of this contest.
Shifting our attention to U.S. Congressional posts, we find U.S. Rep. James McGovern seeking a vulgar 15th term, this time being challenged by Cornelius Shea, an independent from Shrewsbury. McGovern’s longevity is testament to the entrenched nature of Democratic power in Congress, something Shea is keen to disrupt.
Unsurprisingly, U.S. Reps. Lori Trahan, Jake Auchincloss, Minority Whip Katherine Clark, and even Sen. Elizabeth Warren are all running unopposed, preaching to the choir in their blue safe havens. However, their seemingly frictionless roads to re-election belie the fact that Massachusetts deserves more political diversity.
Wrapping up the nominee list, Kamala Harris, Tim Walz, Donald Trump, and J.D. Vance headline the Democratic and Republican tickets respectively. Further adding color, four other independent, socialist, libertarian, and green candidates are also competing.
Massachusetts citizens await the General Election due on Tuesday, November 5 with bated breath. The last day for voter registration is till October 26, with postal votes to be in by October 29, and polling stations open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.