Legions of supporters were out in force last week, demonstrating their support for the candidates of their choice. Among them, Ward 3 Alderman Bob McWatters. — Photos by Donald Norton

By Jim Clark

The State Primary Election that was held last Thursday, September 8, is now on the books. Some familiar names held their seat, and a few new faces will be seen and heard from after inaugurations take place in January of next year.

In the State Senate race, Pat Jehlen enjoyed an unprecedented 80/20 percent victory over her opponent for the Second Middlesex District seat, Leland Cheung.

Commenting on her win, Sen. Jehlen said in a public statement, “This campaign was about who will represent the people of the 2nd Middlesex district on a whole lot of issues.  We made it clear that billionaires from Wall Street don’t control us.” Additionally, Jehlen thanked all her campaign staff and supporters for their hard work saying, “Thank you for being part of it.  Thank you for being part of the long, hard struggle to bend the arc of history toward justice.”

In the State Representative race for the Twenty-sixth Middlesex District, newcomer Mike Connolly edged out longstanding incumbent Timothy Toomey by a margin of 54/46 percent.

Of his victory, Connolly said, “Thank you to the friends, family, neighbors, colleagues, organizations, staff, and volunteers who came together to make Thursday’s victory possible. Most importantly, thank you to the voters of Cambridge and Somerville who have placed their confidence in me to be our next State Representative.”

Also, Connolly expressed his regard for his opponent saying, “I also want to express my deepest respect for Representative Tim Toomey. His lifelong commitment and continued service to the people of Cambridge and Somerville is without comparison. We are all so very fortunate to live in a diverse community where the spirit of civic engagement and concern for our neighbors is so incredibly strong. Now, we must continue working together to make progress for everyone.”

In other races, Terrence Kennedy prevailed in the Governor’s Council District 6 contest; Peter Koutoujian retained his position as Middlesex County Sheriff; and the following officials were reaffirmed in their respective positions, having run unopposed: Representative in Congress 7th District Michael E. Capuano, Representative in General Court 27th Middlesex District Denise Provost, and Representative in General Court 34th Middlesex District Christine P. Barber.

Next up, the national election to be held on Tuesday, November 8, 2016.