WESTFIELD (WWLP) – Westfield State Representative Don Humason has been elected to fill the remainder of the term of former State Sen. Michael Knapik.
With 72 percent of precincts reporting, Humason, a Republican, received 14,193 votes or 55 percent to 11,755 votes or 45 percent for Holyoke City Councilor David Bartley, the Democratic candidate.
Humason and his supporters are celebrating at East Mountain Country Club in Westfield, while Bartley delivered a concession speech to supporters gathered on Northampton Street in Holyoke.
In winning the election, Humason follows in the footsteps of Knapik, also a Westfield Republican. Like Humason, Knapik had represented Westfield in the House of Representatives prior to his election to the Senate.
Before being elected to the House, Humason had served as Knapik’s chief-of-staff.
During the campaign, Humason touted his accomplishments from serving 10 years in the Legislature, and promised to focus on job creation, eliminating government waste, and working with both parties to get things done. Bartley, the son of former Massachusetts House Speaker David Bartley, campaigned on the issues of increasing local aid, and increasing the voice that western Massachusetts has on Beacon Hill.
Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr of Gloucester has promised that once seated, Humason will serve on the powerful Senate Ways and Means Committee.
The 2nd Hampden and Hampshire District includes the entire cities of Westfield, Holyoke, Agawam, and Easthampton, as well as the towns of Southwick, Southampton, Russell, Granville, Montgomery, and Tolland, as well as parts of the city of Chicopee.
Humason’s win should set-off a special election for his seat in the House of Representatives. He currently represents the 4th Hampden District, which includes the entire city of Westfield. No date has yet been set. City attorney John Velis announced his intention to run for that seat at at event last week at the Westfield Athenaeum.
