Democratic state Sen. Paul Mark cruised to an overwhelming victory over his Republican opponent David Rosa in his bid for a second term to represent Berkshire County and the westernmost towns of Hampden, Hampshire and Franklin counties.
“I’m grateful to the people of our district for the opportunity to continue serving as our senator,” Mark said about his supporters.
As of press time, Mark had received 72.1% of the votes counted, and Rosa 27.9%, with results from Pittsfield, the district’s largest city, yet to announce its results.
Mark spent the day getting out his supporters in the state’s largest district, with 57 cities and towns that stretch from Southwick, Westhampton and Whately all the way west to the New York state line.
“As I drove all over the district visiting polling locations today, from Southwick to Williamstown, it‘s wonderful to see so many people holding signs at the polls and taking the time to vote. It feels really great when people say ’I voted for you’ or take the time to say thank you for your work on this issue,” Mark said.
While Rosa thanked his supporters, he was hesitant to concede until he learned the results from Pittsfield.
A resident of Dighton — a southeastern Massachusetts town that is not part of the district — Rosa was hoping to appeal to voters upset with how Gov. Maura Healey handled housing people who need emergency shelter, many of whom are immigrants.
Mark said he was ready to get back to work at the State House.
“We have this session to finish and that includes getting the economic development bill done as soon as possible,” Mark said.
He also said there were a “fair number” of local bills for the towns and cities he represents.
“Then we start planning out which bills to file or revoke in the new session,” he said adding that there will be a lot of meetings and discussions before he and his team hit the ground in January to make sure “the voice of our region is always being heard.”
