by Nona V. Howard

The progressive Democrat in the State Representative race for the 26th Middlesex District of Somerville. was defeated by incumbent State Representative Timothy J. Toomey Jr., Sept. 14., 3,161 to 2,666.

“The bad news is, we lost. The good news is that 2, 500 people came out to vote for a change,” said Avi Green, who before running against Toomey was a political consultant and civil rights activist.

Green entered the American Legion Post 447 to a standing ovation around 9 p.m. to give his concession speech. He reiterated his support for issues that his campaign focused on, such as gun control, abortion rights, and gay rights.

“The Democratic party is what we make it, and we need to make it a progressive party,” he said.

Green endorsed State Representative Toomey and Sen. John F. Kerry for the upcoming November election, adding that the real fight would be for the presidency.

The close race, lost by a 3 percent margin, gave campaign workers hope that a progressive Democrat can win a seat in the 26th Middlesex District, in the future.

“The results tell the story,” said Josh Sugarman, of Waltham, a campaign spokesperson, “There are many new voters who want a pro choice candidate.”

Green, a 30 year-old Pennsylvania native, focused on meeting voters door to door to promote his campaign. His campaign manager, Pia Carusone, of Cambridge, said this led to the close point margin.

“The field program is where we succeeded. Politics happens at your door,” she said.

Green did not announce any future political campaigns. Representative Toomey will run against Republican David R. Slavitt in November.