By Max Bowen-max.bowen@northstarreporter.com
By only 112 votes, Town Councilor Adam Scanlon won the Democratic nomination to challenge John Simmons for the 14th Bristol District State Representative seat.
Scanlon received 3,225 votes to former Selectman Patrick Reynolds’ 3,113. In a video posted to his Facebook page, Scanlon said he was honored to accept the Democratic nomination to be the next state representative. He thanked his family for their support and to Reynolds for running such a great campaign.
“I want to say thank you everyone that took the time to listen to our message of fighting for equity for all people in this district as well as the need to fight for more local aid for our important district, to support our public services,” said Scanlon.
Speaking after the results were announced, Scanlon said he was honored and thankful to everyone who heard his message and voted. He said the state has a lot it can do better, including updating it’s transportation system, battling income inequality, climate protection, and helping working families. He said the results surprised him, but that he’s been surprised in past elections as well.
When asked what qualities earned him the victory, Scanlon said it was the passion he has for the town and how he is always looking for a new way to benefit the community.
“My passion for the district and the community keeps me going,” he said.
In a written statement, the Reynolds campaign offered congratulations to the candidates, but said that due to the record turnout, the race was too close to call.
“Over the next several days all votes will be counted, including those dropped off at city hall as late as tonight, and a final tally determined,” the statement read. “I am sincerely grateful to everyone who worked on and supported my campaign, and I look forward to learning the final outcome whenever every vote has been counted.”
All told, 6,348 ballots were cast, but only a little over half half of these were done on Sept. 1. Mail-in voting and early voting were both made available, and 2,679 voters utilized this option. North Attleborough has over 21,000 registered voters. The final results were delayed to nearly midnight due to mechanical difficulties.
Earlier this evening, Republican candidate Michael Lennox announced he would withdraw from the campaign, citing health concerns. Town Councilor John Simmons has offered to step up and run as the Republican candidate.
