Haverhill Democrats honored their Distinguished honorees, heard from two running in statewide races and conducted a straw poll during the Haverhill Democratic City Committee’s Annual Roz McKeon Breakfast Saturday.
Members, candidates and friends gathered at Maria’s Family Restaurant in downtown Haverhill. They heard from Congresswoman Lori Trahan, who was also honored as one of the Committee’s two Distinguished Democrats; Secretary of the Commonwealth William F. Galvin, who is seeking re-election; and Quentin Palfrey, candidate for attorney general.
Joe Sherlock, who was named in June as acting executive director of the Massachusetts Democratic Party, was honored as the other Distinguished Democrats. Sherlock, now of East Boston, unsuccessfully sought a Haverhill City Council seat in 2019.
If those attending Saturday’s breakfast are indicative of those voting in the Sept. 6 primary, there may be some surprises.
The unofficial straw poll results show Eunice D. Zeigler winning the race for 1st Essex Senate District, which spans, Lawrence, Methuen and Haverhill, with 64% of the vote, and Sen. Diana DiZoglio being elected state auditor with 84% of the vote.
Methuen City Councilor Zeigler faces Lawrence City Councilor Pavel Payano and Doris Rodriguez during the upcoming primary, while DiZoglio faces a challenge from Christopher S. Dempsey.
In the race for Essex County sheriff, incumbent Sheriff Kevin F. Coppinger fended off challenger Virginia Leigh with 75% of the straw poll vote, while Salem Rep. Paul F. Tucker took 89% of the vote against opponent James P. O’Shea, an attorney, for the race to succeed retiring Essex County District Attorney Jonathan W. Blodgett.
Straw poll participants chose Maura Healy for governor. Among those vying to be her running mate, Kimberley Driscoll scored 79%; Tami Gouveia, 12%; and Eric P. Lesser, 9%.
For attorney general, succeeding Healy, Andrea Joy Campbell won 49%; Quentin Palfrey, 34%; and Shannon Erika Liss-Riordan, 17%.
Galvin won 69% of the vote for re-election, and Tanisha M. Sullivan won 31% in the informal poll.