The stage is set for the 2024 primaries as the Democratic and Republican party members ready themselves to refine their lineups ahead of the general elections in November. Most nominations are pre-decided with uncontested races simply requiring affirmation from the voter base. However, a select few races have succeeded in arousing interest and stirring up the usual tranquility.
Let’s explore the contesting names in the September state primary. The Democratic U.S. Senator candidate is Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Cambridge, who faces no competition from within her party. The Republican side of the ring will be contested between Robert J. Antonellis of Medford, Ian Cain of Quincy, and John Deaton of Bolton, each determined to win over the notable Senator from their rival faction.
Moving onto the State Senator race, 2nd Bristol and Plymouth District, surprisingly Sen. Mark Montigny of New Bedford faces a challenge from within his own party by the newcomer, Molly Kivi of New Bedford. The Republican line-up is suddenly feeling empty with no takers this round.
Down the line, the State Representative, 10th Bristol District Democrat slot will be taken by Mark David Sylvia of Fairhaven, without any rival from within. Meanwhile, Robert S. McConnell of Fairhaven and Joseph M. Pires of Rochester lend a challenging hand, securing the Republican berths.
The U.S. Senate race is one to look out for. Senator Elizabeth Warren is aiming at a hat trick, looking to secure her third six-year term. Republican voters have a diverse choice before them with three strong candidates trying to displace her. It’s going to be an interesting watch to see how she manages to retain her seat, especially given the tough Republican contenders.
Robert J. Antonellis, the 62-year-old software engineer and candidate, has declared his alignment with President Trump’s social views and firmly stands against offshore wind farming. Taking on the state’s migrant issue head-on, he targets the termination of Sanctuary Communities prioritizing this as his main agenda.
Ian Cain, currently a city councilor in Quincy serving his fifth term, has a rigid stance on immigration. He proposes shutting down the borders, penalizing Sanctuary Cities and enabling local police to cooperate with federal immigration authorities for the detection and relocation of illegal immigrants.
John Deaton presents an intriguing facet to the Republican roster. Deaton, a specialist attorney in cryptocurrency, is strongly advocating the increment of border patrols and putting an end to the ‘catch and release’ practice, which allows migrants to reside in the country during their ongoing immigration proceedings. Furthermore, he aims to modify the accredited investor protocols, lifting restrictions on unregistered securities purchases.
Shifting gears to the State Senate race, incumbent Sen. Mark Montigny is facing off against fresh Republican face Molly Kivi. He has held his position since 1993 with notable contributions in advocating for state investments in Greater New Bedford including the State Pier, Star Store, and Zeiterion Theater. It will be fascinating to see whether Kivi’s inexperience would work against her or add to her appeal as a novel choice.
Born and raised in Carver, Molly Kivi, a newcomer candidate, is a UMass Dartmouth graduate with a degree in accounting that she believes will play a vital role in her Senate tenure. Her principal campaign pillars stand on healthcare, education, environment, economy, and public safety. However, it remains to be seen how well her textbook accounting can translate into practical governance moves.
Turning our attention to the State House race, incumbent State Rep. William Straus has taken a step back from re-election to the 10th Bristol District seat that he has held since 1993. Mark David Sylvia of Fairhaven is set to fill this void on the Democratic side, while Robert S. McConnell of Fairhaven and Joseph M. Pires of Rochester will carry the Republican banner into battle.
Regrettably, the countdown to registering for the state primaries has already passed its milestone on Aug. 24. If you have missed the deadline, you’ll have to wait for another opportunity to have your say.
If you were hoping to vote by mail in the state primary, I have some bad news. It’s too late to request a mail ballot if you don’t already have one. If you do have an unreturned mail ballot, make sure to deliver it to your city or town elections office promptly. Bear in mind that all mail ballots must be received by Sept. 3 to count.
For those of you needing to vote in person, here’s how it will work: Registered Democratic or Republican party members will get the ballot pertaining to their party. Unenrolled voters have the freedom to choose either ballot. It’s an interesting choice to make, one that highlights the true spirit of the democratic process.
All you need to know about where to vote in the state primary is visit the Secretary of State’s website at wheredoivotema.com and key in your address. Remember, the polling stations will be generously open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Don’t let the opportunity to exercise your democratic right slip away!
Republicans Rise to Challenge in 2024 Primaries appeared first on Real News Now.
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