Smith unsuccessful in state rep primary, but proud of campaign effort

September 2, 2020 by Carol Britton Meyer

Two Hingham residents figured prominently in yesterday's state primary.

While Melissa B. Smith's challenge to incumbent James Michael Murphy's state representative seat on the Democratic party ballot -- which includes Hingham Precinct 2 -- was unsuccessful, it was not for lack of effort.

"The results weren't what we'd hoped, but I'm incredibly proud of the campaign we ran and the kind, thoughtful, amazing people who were on my team through it all," Smith told the Hingham Anchor.

This means that Murphy will face Republican challenger Paul J. Rotondo -- who ran unopposed in the primary -- in the Nov. 3 state/presidential election.

Carlos A.F. Da Silva, a Hingham resident and school committee vice-chair, challenged three other candidates for two Plymouth County Commissioner seats on the Democratic party ballot.

The final outcome of that race has yet to be determined. According to published reports, as of early this morning -- with nearly 57 percent of precincts reporting -- incumbent Gregory Hanley had the lead. John Riordan had the next highest number of votes, with Da Silva and Michael Bradley in third and fourth place respectively. There is one Republican candidate, Jared L.Valanzola, who ran uncontested in the primary. That makes for a three-way race for two seats in all six Hingham precincts. Check back for the final results.

Hingham voters cast ballots for their candidates of choice -- either by absentee or early voter mail-in or in-person ballots -- or during live voting at the polls yesterday.

For those who voted in-person, social distancing and face mask requirements were in place.

(The Hingham state primary results will be posted as soon as available.)

In other state primary news, incumbent State Rep. Joan Meschino -- a Hull resident -- is being challenged by Republican Stephen D. Gill, a Scituate resident -- for her seat in the November election in all precincts. Both ran unopposed in yesterday’s state primary.

Incumbent Republican Sen. Patrick O'Connor, a Weymouth resident, is being challenged by Cohasset resident Meg Wheeler, a Democrat, in all six Hingham precincts for his seat.  Both ran unopposed in the primary.

Uncontested race totals were not calculated.

There was a focus on the U.S. Senate race, in which Joseph P. Kennedy, III challenged incumbent Edward J. Markey -- among many Hingham voters. Markey was successful and will face a Republican challenger in November.