It was a big night for Democratic incumbents in the Merrimack Valley when primary election results became evident.
First term state Senator Kathleen A. O’Connor-Ives, of Newburyport, defeated challenger Jessica Finocchiaro of Methuen with 68 percent of the vote. Likewise incumbent state Representative Diana DiZoglio beat challengers Phil DeCologero and Oscar Camargo. Both Finocchiaro and DeCologero have long records of working within the Democratic Party.
Ives’ win seemed assured after she beat Finocchiaro in all, but one Haverhill precinct. Unofficial totals show Ives took Haverhill 2,323 to 1,212.
O’Connor-Ives will face off Nov. 4 against Haverhill School Committeeman Shaun Toohey, who ran unopposed in the Republican primary. O’Connor noted she faced off against Toohey two years ago.
“I ran against Sean Toohey in 2012 and I’m happy to be the state senator right now over this first year and a half. We have worked and learned a great deal over this year and a half. I want to continue to make progress,” O’Connor told WHAV news.
Andover Senator Barry Finegold was unsuccessful in his bid for state treasurer. Despite a bump up in publicity following his support of Market Basket workers, Finegold lost the party nomination to Deb Goldberg.