Democrat Deval Patrick Wins Massachusetts Gubernatorial Primary Election
Deval Patrick, a Democrat and former civil rights expert, has won the Massachusetts gubernatorial primary election with 50% of the vote. Patrick, who is running on a consumer-friendly ticket, will face Republican Kerry Healey, the current lieutenant governor, in the November 7 general election. Patrick's primary win is significant, as he has never held elective office before and will be the first African American to run for governor in Massachusetts.
Key Takeaways:
- Patrick won the primary election with 50% of the vote, while his closest opponent, Christopher Gabrieli, received 27% and Attorney General Thomas Reilly received 23%.
- Patrick is running on a consumer-friendly ticket, with initiatives to reduce health-care premiums and expand access to personal care attendants for the disabled.
- Patrick's primary win pits him against Republican Kerry Healey, who has been lieutenant governor under Gov. Mitt Romney and was unopposed in the primary election.
- The Massachusetts gubernatorial election may draw national attention, as voters in the state have never elected a black or a woman as governor before.
- Insurers have expressed concerns about the state's automobile insurance market, which has been described as dysfunctional, and are urging whoever becomes governor to work with the industry to identify potential solutions.
Statistics:
- 50%: The percentage of the vote won by Deval Patrick in the primary election.
- 27%: The percentage of the vote received by Christopher Gabrieli in the primary election.
- 23%: The percentage of the vote received by Attorney General Thomas Reilly in the primary election.
- 16 years: The length of time a Republican has been governor in Massachusetts.
- 1952: The year the state Legislature became ruled by Democrats.
- 50: The percentage of the vote taken by Deval Patrick, as reported by the Boston Globe following the primary election.
Sources:
- [A. M. Best via COMTEX]
- [Boston Globe]
- [Associated Press]