Berkshires, State Return Incumbents & Pass MCAS Question
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Massachusetts voters sent U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren back to Capitol Hill.
She was leading challenger Republican John Deaton with 60 percent of the vote with half the precincts reporting at 11 p.m.
U.S. Rep. Richard Neal also fended of a challenge from independent Nadia Milleron with 65 percent of the vote in the First Mass District.
State Sen. Paul Mark was leading his opponent, Republican David Rosa, 72 percent to 28 percent with 30 percent of precincts reporting.
State Reps. John Barrett III (North Adams) and Tricia Farley-Bouvier (Pittsfield) were running unopposed as was Tara Jacobs (North Adams) for Governor's Council in the 8th District.
All winning incumbents are Democrats and were the choices for the reporting Berkshire communities.
The Third Berkshire District saw a tighter race as Leigh Davis and MartyBeth Mitts vied to replace outgoing William "Smitty" Pignatelli. Davis was leading with 56 percent of the vote.
Three of the five ballot questions looked to be on track for passage late Tuesday night.
Question 1, on auditing the Legislature, had passed by large margins in reporting communities statewide with the exception of Spencer narrowly defeating it. The issue had been a campaign priority of State Auditor Diana DiZoglio, who says it will bring greater accountability and transparency to Beacon Hill.
The Legislature had been regularly audited until the early 1990s. It is not uncommon in other states.
Question 2, on removing passage of the 10th grade MCAS test as a graduation requirement, also seemed to be headed for passage. Reporting Berkshire communities easily passed the question.
Question 3, on allowing drivers of ride services to unionize, was polling at more than 50 percent. Reporting towns in central and southeast Massachusetts were opposed, as was Savoy, the only Berkshire community so voting against.
Question 4, legalizing certain natural psychedelics, was being roundly rejected. Becket and New Marlborough joined Northampton and some hilltowns in approving the measure. Some towns around Boston and Nantucket also voted in favor.
Question 5, that would put tipped employees on minimum wage also appeared to be defeated. Becket and New Marlborough were joined by Williamstown in passing the question, along with some towns near Boston.
Tags: election 2024,
