District Attorney Race
Democratic candidate Chris Markey secured a decisive victory in the race for Bristol County District Attorney, topping Republican Seth Aitken Chris Markey announces win in Bristol County DA race. With 86% of precincts reporting, Markey led with 74,603 votes to Aitken’s 64,944, prompting an acknowledgment from Aitken on Wednesday morning Chris Markey announces win in Bristol County DA race. The outcome keeps the seat in Democratic hands following the decision by longtime incumbent Thomas Quinn III not to run again Chris Markey announces win in Bristol County DA race. With Markey moving into the executive role as DA, his departure opened up a vacancy in the Statehouse.
State Senate Race
Incumbent Democratic Senator Mark Montigny fended off a challenge from Republican Robert “Bob” McConnell, capturing 64% of the electorate (34,268 votes) compared to McConnell’s 36% (19,416 votes). This contest marked a notable milestone as the first time Montigny faced a Republican opponent in a general election since taking office in 1993. McConnell, who chairs the Fairhaven Republican Town Committee, previously mounted campaigns for the 10th Bristol District state representative post in 2022 and 2024. Montigny’s win preserves his tenure representing a district spanning New Bedford, Dartmouth, Acushnet, Fairhaven, and Mattapoisett.
State Representative Races
9th Bristol District
Democrat Edward Pacheco captured a decisive 56% to 44% victory over Republican Chester Tam to succeed Markey in the 9th Bristol state House District. Pacheco pulled in 9,558 votes to Tam’s 7,483 across a constituency encompassing all of Dartmouth and three far-north precincts of New Bedford. Capitalizing on high voter enthusiasm that drove a 55% turnout rate in Dartmouth, Pacheco emphasized a commitment to grassroots advocacy. “I am going to the Statehouse to be an advocate for the people of this district,” Pacheco noted in his acceptance speech, pledging to work collaboratively across lines to deliver local results.
8th Bristol District
The political landscape saw a notable shift in the 8th Bristol District, where Republican newcomer Jesse St. Gelais edged out Democratic freshman Representative Steven Ouellette by a 51.2% to 48.6% margin (9,006 to 8,547 votes) to flip the seat. Spanning Westport, Freetown, Acushnet, Fall River, and New Bedford, the district saw localized voting patterns: Ouellette held his stronghold in Westport, while St. Gelais dominated in Acushnet. Though both candidates shared concerns over local financial strains and the cost of living, they divided sharply on reproductive rights and firearms legislation, sending St. Gelais to Beacon Hill with a focus on fiscal accountability and openness in government.
10th Bristol District
Meanwhile, in the neighboring 10th Bristol District, incumbent Representative Mark Sylvia successfully defended his seat against challenger Brendalee Smith, locking in another two-year term. Representing Fairhaven, Marion, Mattapoisett, Rochester, and parts of New Bedford and Acushnet, Sylvia maintained a commanding advantage in early returns as he prepares to prioritize local affordability and experienced leadership in his upcoming term.
Shout out to the excellent election day reporting from The New Bedford Light!
