| | |  | BY LISA KASHINSKY | | With help from Sophie Gardner BARRIER BREAKERS — Maura Healey rose from political obscurity eight years ago to win the attorney general’s office. Roughly one minute after the polls closed last night, she became the first woman and first openly gay person elected governor of Massachusetts. Healey and Salem Mayor Kim Driscoll will be the state’s first all-female governor and lieutenant governor team — one of two such pairs elected across the country last night — after defeating Republican running mates and former state Reps. Geoff Diehl and Leah Cole Allen. Healey also broke the so-called attorney general curse that's kept many of her predecessors from the governor's office.
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Massachusetts Governor-Elect Muara Healey and Lt. Governor-Elect Kim Driscoll during an election night event in Boston, Mass. on Nov. 8, 2022. | Lisa Kashinsky/POLITICO | Democrat Andrea Campbell routed Republican Jay McMahon to become the first Black woman elected attorney general, continuing a meteoric rise in Massachusetts politics that’s taken her from a district Boston City Council seat to statewide office in just seven years. Five of the state’s six constitutional offices are on track to be held by women and all are poised to be held by Democrats after Secretary of State Bill Galvin and Treasurer Deb Goldberg won reelection . Republican Anthony Amore conceded the auditor’s race to state Sen. Diana DiZoglio to complete the Democrats’ sweep. And on a historic night for women in Massachusetts, Galvin joined the club by winning a record eighth term. “I want to say something to every little girl and every young LGBTQ person out there. I hope tonight shows you that you can be whatever, whoever, you want to be,” a triumphant Healey declared to near-deafening cheers in a packed function room at the Fairmont Copley Plaza hotel. She also received a congratulatory call from President Joe Biden. Diehl’s supporters, including former congressional candidate Rick Green, initially balked at the early Associated Press call in Healey’s favor. But the Donald Trump-backed conservative, who’s now lost two statewide races, was gracious toward Healey in a brief concession speech. “The people of the Commonwealth have spoken. I respect their choice,” Diehl said. “And I ask everyone who supported me and Leah to give [Healey] the same opportunity for success that I would have asked if the shoe had been on the other foot.”
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Caroline Amenabar/POLITICO | Healey’s victory secured Democrats a state government trifecta — control of the governor’s office on top of supermajorities in the Legislature. But what’s generally seen as a boon for the party in power can also bring perils — exposing intraparty fault lines and generating the same sorts of insurmountable impasses and general gridlock it’s supposed to avoid. But that’s for January. First, there’s a transition to be had. Healey and Driscoll will meet with Gov. Charlie Baker and Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito today. “We will model the kind of leadership and collaboration and, yes, the respect we want to see elsewhere,” Healey said, sounding every bit like the Republican she’s succeeding. And she won’t be going in cold. Healey’s team has had issue groups meeting informally for weeks on key policy areas including health, climate, and workforce and economic development to help guide her agenda as governor, according to three people familiar with them. GOOD WEDNESDAY MORNING, MASSACHUSETTS. New England proved a bright spot for Democrats on a nail-biter of a night for the party in power in Washington. New Hampshire Sen. Maggie Hassan, once considered one of the most vulnerable Democrats on the Senate map this cycle, defeated Republican Don Bolduc by a sizable margin. Rep. Chris Pappas also edged his Republican challenger, former Trump White House press aide Karoline Leavitt. And the Associated Press called Rep. Annie Kuster the victor over Republican Bob Burns early Wednesday. Still, Granite Staters split their tickets, reelecting GOP Gov. Chris Sununu.
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Caroline Amenabar/POLITICO | In Rhode Island’s hotly contested 2nd District congressional race, Democratic state Treasurer Seth Magaziner powered to victory over affable moderate Republican Allan Fung. And in Maine, incumbent Democratic Gov. Janet Mills defeated Republican former Gov. Paul LePage. Want more results? POLITICO's got them here . TODAY — Rep. Jake Auchincloss hosts an affordable housing forum featuring Juana Matias, HUD’s regional administrator for New England, at 10 a.m. at Bristol Community College’s Attleboro campus. Tips? Scoops? Election thoughts? Email me: lkashinsky@politico.com .
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| | A message from Delta Dental of Massachusetts: When it comes to overall health, Delta Dental is here to help you embrace a new “flossophy.” Preventive measures in your thirties can have a big impact on your oral and overall health in your later years. Protecting you from things like heart disease, diabetes, and depression. That’s why we’re reminding communities all over the state that a healthy smile is a powerful thing. Discover the connection between oral and overall health at ExpressYourHealthMA.org. | | | |  | ON THE STUMP |
| THE VICTORY SPEECHES: — MAURA HEALEY: “The people across this state, who have taken the time to talk to me about their lives and their dreams, what they want and what they need, your stories have driven everything that I’ve done. To those who voted for me, to those who didn’t, I want you to know — I’ll be a governor for everyone. And I’ll work with anyone who’s up for making a difference in this state. I want you to know: I understand what you feel, I understand where you are, and I'm going to do everything in my power to help you.” — KIM DRISCOLL: “Massachusetts: tonight we made history. Actually, we made ‘herstory.’ This union is 242 years in the making. Today, Massachusetts voters stood proud … with one powerful, clear voice and said: ‘It’s her time.’” — DIANA DIZOGLIO: “I will ensure working families get access to and accountability from our state government … I learned about the inside of our state government and how it can operate without accountability. “ — ANDREA CAMPBELL: “I recognize that families are frustrated with government and don’t necessarily see government as a solution to their daily struggles. Government can and should be responsive to your needs, and do it with a sense of empathy and urgency, for the government to remove barriers and not stand in the way of progress and justice. And as Attorney General, I will make sure that it does.”
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Massachusetts Attorney General-elect Andrea Campbell waves on stage during a Democratic election night party, Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2022, in Boston. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer) | AP | THE CONCESSION SPEECHES (and statements): — GEOFF DIEHL: “Despite the outcome, I'm proud of the race we ran. And we highlighted issues that are important for people across the entire state. You know it — education, health care, energy and economy. For a long time, Massachusetts has been a leader in these fields, but we've become complacent and too dependent on the directives from Washington, D.C.”
DIEHL got trashed! His claim to fame was a tRumper! ANTI-ABORTION - who could trust him? Opposed MANDATES that protected residents. Proposed re-hiring those who refused vaccinations COVID is a PUBLIC HEALTH issue, not political. Massachusetts doesn't support extremism except in limited communities such as MIDDLEBORO excerpt: COVID-19 took a huge toll on Americans’ health, directly and indirectly, but that toll varied dramatically by state. — JAY MCMAHON: "If [this election] doesn’t turn out the way I want it to today, I’ll figure out another plan, some other way. But I’m going to do something right for Massachusetts. I want these citizens to know that I am with them. And law enforcement — I’ve got your back.” — ANTHONY AMORE: “I congratulated state auditor-elect Diana DiZoglio on her win tonight and wished her nothing but the best in her new role. I am grateful to my supporters for their efforts throughout my campaign, and to my campaign team for its tireless work on my behalf. I am honored to have had the opportunity to raise important issues about accountability and transparency during this past year. I am especially grateful to Governor Baker and Lt. Governor Polito for their steadfast support and encouragement."
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| | NEW AND IMPROVED POLITICO APP: Stay up to speed with the newly updated POLITICO mobile app, featuring timely political news, insights and analysis from the best journalists in the business. With a fresh look and improved features, the sleek and navigable design offers a convenient way to access POLITICO's scoops and groundbreaking reporting. Don’t miss out on the app you can rely on for the news you need, reimagined. Already a POLITICO app user? Upgrade today! DOWNLOAD FOR iOS – DOWNLOAD FOR ANDROID . | | | | | | | THE DOWN-BALLOT RACES |
| — WHERE THINGS STAND: Plenty of ballots are still being counted but Democrats are claiming victory in some key legislative and law enforcement seats Republicans had hoped to keep or flip. Democrat Adrianne Ramos declared victory over Republican Joe Finn in the race to replace outgoing Democratic 14th Essex state Rep. Christina Minicucci. Democrat Dawne Shand defeated Republican C.J. Fitzwater in the contest to succeed GOP state Rep. Jim Kelcourse, who left the Legislature earlier this year for a Parole Board gig. State Sen. Becca Rausch declared victory over Republican state Rep. Shawn Dooley last night in a race that pitted one of the Legislature’s most progressive lawmakers against one of its most conservative in a purple district. Dooley was leading the vote count not long after Rausch claimed a win, but the Democrat surged ahead in the overnight hours. Bristol County Sheriff Tom Hodgson conceded to his Democratic challenger , Attleboro Mayor Paul Heroux, early Wednesday morning, bringing one of the state’s most hotly contested down-ballot races to a close and ushering in a new chapter for law enforcement on the South Coast after a quarter-century of Republican oversight. And Democrats appear to have swept the Cape and Islands district attorney and Barnstable County sheriff races, two victories state Sen. Julian Cyr , a Truro Democrat, called “seismic.” GOP state Rep. Tim Whelan conceded to Democrat Donna Buckley in the Barnstable sheriff race, while Democrat Robert Galibois claimed victory over Republican Daniel Higgins in the DA race. Republican Tracy Post conceded to Democrat Chris Flanagan in Barnstable’s 1st District state representative race to replace Whelan. The Cape Cod Times has more on the region’s contests. Yet Republican Plymouth District Attorney Tim Cruz appears on track for reelection over progressive former prosecutor Rahsaan Hall. Worcester County Sheriff Lew Evangelidis also appears headed for reelection over Democrat David Fontaine, though neither race had been called by the Associated Press as of early Wednesday morning. — “Unopposed candidates cruise to victory,” by Christian M. Wade, Eagle-Tribune: “Every seat in the 200-member state Legislature was up for grabs this election cycle, but nearly two-thirds of the districts were uncontested on Tuesday’s ballot — at least 109 of 160 House districts and 18 of 40 Senate districts. That includes incumbents who fielded no challengers and newcomers to Beacon Hill who emerged from the Sept. 6 state primary uncontested. Among them, Democrat Jennifer Armini, of Marblehead, who edged out five others in the 8th Essex District primary. She fielded no challengers in Tuesday’s election. Neither did Pavel Payano, a Lawrence Democrat who won a primary in the newly created majority-minority 1st Essex Senate district, or Estela Reyes, of Lawrence, who won the Democratic primary for the 4th Essex House district. Manny Cruz, a Salem Democrat and School Committee member who won the Democratic primary for the 7th Essex House district, will head to Beacon Hill next year after formally winning the seat.” — Here’s another interesting tidbit from Wade : “[I]ncumbent Treasurer Deb Goldberg easily fended off a challenge from Libertarian candidate Cristina Crawford to win another term as the state’s top financial watchdog. Despite her loss, Crawford received more than the 3% of the vote needed to restore the Libertarian Party’s status as a major political party ahead of the 2024 presidential election.” — “Jacob Oliveira declares victory in Hampden, Hampshire & Worcester District state Senate district,” by Jim Kinney, Springfield Republican. — “Rep. David LeBoeuf re-elected to 17th Worcester House District after controversial second term,” by Kiernan Dunlop, MassLive. — “Aaron Saunders victor over Chip Harrington in tight 7th Hampden District state Rep. race,” by Stephanie Barry, Springfield Republican. — “State Sen. John Velis declined to declare victory Tuesday night despite seeing leads in a handful of towns,” by Aprell May Munford, Springfield Republican. — “Boldyga declares victory in rep. race, but Russo waits for Hilltown results,” by Peter Currier, Westfield News. — “Chicopee’s Shirley Arriaga beats Sean Goonan for the house seat in the 8th Hampden District,” by Jeanette DeForge, Springfield Republican. — “William 'Smitty' Pignatelli appears headed for reelection in 3rd Berkshire District,” by Heather Bellow, Berkshire Eagle. — “Paul Mark defeats Brendan Phair for state Senate seat that represents Berkshire district,” by Tony Dobrowolski, Berkshire Eagle. — “Colleen Garry poised for reelection in 36th Middlesex District,” by Prudence Brighton, Lowell Sun. — “Results favor Cahillane: Incumbent poised to win second 6-year term as sheriff,” by Scott Merzbach, Daily Hampshire Gazette. — “Rita Mendes clenches victory in new majority-minority Brockton state rep district,” by Chris Helms, Brockton Enterprise. — “Doherty beats back challenge from Coute for Taunton-Easton state rep seat,” by Daniel Schemer, Taunton Daily Gazette — “Vaughn beats Kalkut in state rep race; Hawkins wins re-election,” by George W. Rhodes, The Sun Chronicle.
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| | A message from Delta Dental of Massachusetts:  
| | | | | BALLOT BATTLES |
| — QUESTIONS AND SOME ANSWERS: Voters overwhelmingly said “yes” to regulating dental insurance (Question 2), while ballot questions that would impose a new tax on the wealthy (Question 1), expand alcohol licenses (Question 3) and keep or rescind a new law granting undocumented immigrants access to driver’s licenses (Question 4), remained uncalled by the Associated Press early Wednesday. More than 70 percent of voters approved requiring dental insurers to spend at least 83 percent of premiums on patient care, rather than on administrative costs. The Boston Globe’s Samantha J. Gross and John Hilliard have more on the ballot questions. — “Signs incorrectly saying voter ID required removed at Mass. polling sites,” by Noah R. Bombard, MassLive: “Signs telling voters they must show identification in order to vote were posted and then removed from some Massachusetts polling locations during Tuesday’s election, according to a non-partisan group that seeks to protect voting rights. Lawyers for Civil Rights staff attorney Jacob Love told MassLive Tuesday the group had received about 130 reports to its hotline on Tuesday with a variety of election issues, including signs requiring voter ID in New Braintree.”
| | FROM THE DELEGATION |
| — FEELING BLUE: Reps. Richard Neal, Jim McGovern, Lori Trahan, Jake Auchincloss, Ayanna Pressley, Stephen Lynch, Bill Keating, Seth Moulton and Assistant House Speaker Katherine Clark cruised to victory over their Republican opponents on Tuesday. But some of them are poised to lose their powerful House leadership posts if Republicans gain control of the chamber. — “Neal credits voter support to federal pandemic response,” by Ron Chimelis, Springfield Republican. — “U.S. Rep. Jim McGovern defeats Jeffrey Sossa-Paquette to win 14th term in Congress,” by Kiernan Dunlop, MassLive.
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| | DON’T MISS POLITICO’S 2nd ANNUAL DEFENSE SUMMIT ON 11/16: The United States is facing a defining moment in the future of its defense, national security and democratic ideals. The current conflicts and developments around the world are pushing Washington to reshape its defense strategy and how it cooperates with allies. Join POLITICO for our second annual defense summit, “At a Crossroads: America’s Defense Strategy” on November 16 in person at the Schuyler DC or join online to hear keynote interviews and panels discussing the road ahead for America’s national security. REGISTER HERE . | | | | | | | MEANWHILE IN RHODE ISLAND |
| — "Allan Fung concedes, Seth Magaziner keeps R.I. Second Congressional District seat blue," by Edward Fitzpatrick and Amanda Milkovits, Boston Globe: "In a race drawing national attention, Democrat Seth Magaziner beat back Republican Allan W. Fung in the battle for Rhode Island’s Second Congressional District seat, which has been in Democratic hands for more than three decades. Fung conceded with 98 percent of polling places reporting. Magaziner had 50.1 percent of the vote, Fung had 47.0 percent, and Moderate Party candidate William H. Gilbert had 2.7 percent, according to the state Board of Elections." — “McKee wins 1st full term as RI governor,” by Shaun Towne, WPRI.
| | MEANWHILE IN NEW HAMPSHIRE |
| — "Democratic incumbents fend off challengers in N.H.'s races for Senate, Congress," by Todd Bookman, New Hampshire Public Radio: "U.S. Sen. Maggie Hassan defeated retired U.S. Army General Don Bolduc in a race that saw a flood of national money in the closing weeks. U.S. Rep. Chris Pappas won reelection in the state’s highly competitive 1st Congressional District over Republican Karoline Leavitt. And U.S. Rep. Annie Kuster declared victory over Republican Robert Burns in the 2nd Congressional District, earning her sixth term in Washington. The Democratic victories in New Hampshire came despite national concerns over the economy and inflation, which polls showed as the top issue for voters leading into Election Day." — "Gov. Chris Sununu wins fourth term in office, defeating Tom Sherman in NH," by Kirk Enstrom, WMUR.
| | MEANWHILE IN VERMONT |
| — "Vermont ends streak as the last state to send a woman to Congress," by Deepa Shivaram, NPR.
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| | A message from Delta Dental of Massachusetts: When it comes to oral health, Delta Dental of Massachusetts can help you achieve lifelong optimal health. Maintaining a healthy mouth now will have a positive impact as you age. That’s why you should visit the dentist regularly for cleanings and oral cancer screenings. And, don’t forget to keep practicing good oral hygiene habits at home. A healthy mouth now will set the stage for a healthy future. Discover the connection between oral and overall health at ExpressYourHealthMA.org. | | | | | HEARD ‘ROUND THE BUBBLAH |
| SPOTTED — continuing the traditional Election Day lunch at Santarpio’s in Eastie, which state Sen. Lydia Edwards became the first woman to host: Assistant House Speaker Katherine Clark, Sen. Ed Markey, Rep. Ayanna Pressley, Boston Mayor Michelle Wu, Attorney General Maura Healey, Salem Mayor Kim Driscoll, Andrea Campbell, Treasurer Deb Goldberg, Boston City Councilors Kenzie Bok and Gigi Coletta, Suffolk DA Kevin Hayden, Suffolk County Sheriff Steve Tompkins and state Rep. Adrian Madaro. ALSO SPOTTED — at the Democrats’ election night soiree in Boston: Tompkins, Wu, Pressley, Clark, Markey, Sen. Elizabeth Warren, Hayden, state Reps. Liz Miranda, Dylan Fernandes, Mike Connolly and Tami Gouveia, Boston City Councilor Ruthzee Louijeune, Sam Montaño and former Boston City Councilor Matt O’Malley. HAPPY BIRTHDAY — to GBH's Tori Bedford, Mike Bloomberg of Groundwork Data, Joyce Linehan, Carolyn Casey, Shannon Felton Spence, Pamela J. Johnson and Karen Scott. Happy belated to CommonWealth Magazine's Michael Jonas and Casey Hernandez Rosen, who celebrated Tuesday. Want to make an impact? POLITICO Massachusetts has a variety of solutions available for partners looking to reach and activate the most influential people in the Bay State. Have a petition you want signed? A cause you’re promoting? Seeking to increase brand awareness among this key audience? Share your message with our influential readers to foster engagement and drive action. Contact Jesse Shapiro to find out how: jshapiro@politico.com . | |
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