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Two well-known women were lifted by voters Tuesday to new government seats—Governor’s Councilor Eileen R. Duff to Southern Essex Register of Deeds and former Methuen Councilor Eunice D. Zeigler as Duff’s successor on the Governor’s Council.
Duff, who spoke to WHAV by telephone, described new technological challenges at the Registry of Deeds.
“This is the first time in 45 years there’s been a new register. There’s going to be a lot of new things to learn for both me and the staff because we’re entering a whole, brand-new time with AI and the advent of mortgage fraud at the highest rate it’s ever been. I’m looking forward to getting to work on those issues. Cooperating with the secretary of state because this falls under his jurisdiction and building strong relationships with the other registers throughout the state so we can work together collaboratively,” she said.
Democrat Duff faced Republican Jonathan Edward Ring of Rockport on the ballot.
Duff took time to congratulate Zeigler, saying, “I think it is great that we have someone for the first time in about 20 years from the Merrimack Valley on the Council. Representation matters.”
Zeigler said in a victory statement to her supporters Tuesday night, “We started this journey a year ago with a vision. One rooted in community and partnership as we advocate for fair judges and a transparent judicial system.” Her campaign said she took more than 47 percent of the vote for the 5th District seat with 90% of the precincts reporting. The Methuen Democrat faced competition in the three-way race from Republican Anne M. Manning-Martin of Peabody and independent Jody A. Elliott of Salem.
Duff, who backed Zeigler, was herself endorsed by former Register O’Brien, as she explained.
“John didn’t only endorse me; John is actually the person that asked me to run for the seat. He approached me when he found out his health was declining to the point where he wouldn’t run again. He actually said to me, ‘You should think about this because I think you’d be the best person to carry on this legacy.”
Duff and Zeigler will take their oaths of office in January.