WESTFIELD- While the Presidency took much of the national attention as it became official in the early morning hours that Donald Trump was elected president, local races were affecting communities throughout Western Massachusetts.
Sen. Humason retained his place in the Senate for the 2nd Hampden District after he defeated JD Parker O’Grady. Humason received 42,984 votes which was good enough for 60% of the vote.
Being a newcomer to politics, O’Grady got a very respectable 29,215 votes and 40% of the vote.
Sen. Humason retained his seat on the Senate for the 2nd Hampden District. (WNG File Photo)
The victory for Humason allowed him to be reelected for his 3rd term. The 2nd Hampden District represents Westfield, Agawam, Holyoke, Southampton, Easthampton, Southwick, Granville, Tolland, Russell, Montgomery, and parts of Chicopee.
The House of Representatives had a race in the 3rd Hampden District where incumbent Rep. Nick Boldyga kept his seat as he was triumphant over Democratic candidate Rosemary Sandlin. Boldyga took victory by earning 60% of the vote (12,126 votes). It was reported that Sandlin got 8,074 votes.
Boldyga has now won his fourth two-year term representing this district. He originally edged Sandlin out of office in 2010 by 98 votes when Boldyga first ran. Sandlin had the seat since 2007.
As Sandlin was not originally on the November ballot as the Democratic candidate, she was drafted by the Agawam Democratic Town Committee to fill that vacancy once it was official Richard Theroux backed out of the race in May.
“I fulfilled my commitment to the Democratic Town Committee in Agawam,” said Sandlin. “I want to thank all the people that worked so hard for me.”
Sandlin has plans for the future but assured it wouldn’t be against Rep. Boldgya.
Rep. Nick Boldyga took victory to keep his seat in the House of Representatives for the 3rd Hampden District. (WNG File Photo)
“I have no future plans (to run against Rep. Boldyga),” said Sandlin.
The 3rd Hampden District includes Agawam, Southwick, and Granville.
The 4th Hampden District was also highlighted despite the fact that it was a one-man race.
John Velis (D) ran unopposed for the seat in that district in the House of Representatives.
Still relatively new to his position as he just finished his first full term, Velis was pleased to be the representative of his district for at least two more years.
“I’m just very happy with the results,” said Velis. “It’s the honor of a lifetime.”
