Democratic Sen. Barbara L’Italien, of Andover, returns to the state Senate in January for her second term.
She declared victory in the Second Essex and Middlesex District, against challenger Susan M. Laplante of Lawrence. L’Italien, of Andover and who first won the seat in 2014, spoke with WHAV after addressing supporters at the Claddagh Pub, Lawrence.
“I’m excited to continue to do the good work I’ve been doing on behalf of my district in January,” L’Italien told WHAV. “We won overwhelmingly in all four communities. I think people understood I paid attention to their needs and concerns, and advocated on their behalf. So, I’m excited. I’m happy to continue in the senate.”
The district includes Lawrence, Andover, Dracut and Tewksbury.
Democrat Linda Dean Campbell, representing parts of Methuen and Haverhill in the 15th Essex House district, prevailed over challenger independent Nicholas Torresi of Methuen.
With 50 percent of the votes counted, Democrat and Lynn Police Chief Kevin F. Coppinger is leading in the race for Essex County Sheriff. Coppinger so far has secured 47 percent of the vote against 39 percent for Republican Anne M. Manning-Martin of Peabody.
In the 18th Essex House District, incumbent Republican James J. Lyons is leading about two to one against Democratic challenger Oscar Camargo. The district includes Andover precincts 1, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9; Boxford, precinct 1; North Andover precinct 6, 7 and 8; and Tewksbury precincts 3 and 3A.
Incumbent Democratic Congresswoman Niki Tsongas returns to the House in January, after defeating for a second time her Haverhill Republican opponent, Ann Wofford.
In the governor’s council race between Democrat Eileen Duff and Republican Richard Baker, Duff is leading 55 percent to 45 percent with 11 percent of precincts reporting.
Sen. Kathleen O’Connor Ives of Newburyport, Haverhill Rep. Brian Dempsey, and Rep. Diana DiZoglio of Methuen are unopposed and will return to the legislature in January.