Democratic Attorney General Maura Healey was elected governor of Massachusetts, becoming the first openly gay governor in the United States.
Healy, the state’s first female and openly gay candidate elected to office, beat Republican Jeff Deereformer state legislator Who has the support of former President Donald Trump.
Her election returns the governor’s office to Democrats after eight years of Republican leadership after popular Gov. Charlie Baker chose not to seek re-election.
healey and her running mateSalem Mayor Kim Driscoll is one of three all-female governor/lieutenant governor votes in the U.S. who have a chance to be the first such pairing to be elected to lead a state when Election Day begins.
The Republican all-female vote for Sarah Huckabee Sanders for governor and Leslie Rutledge for lieutenant governor won in Arkansas. In Ohio, Democrat Nan Whaley and running mate Cheryl Stephens lost to Republican Gov. Mike DeWine.
Healy is also one of two lesbian candidates to openly run for governor of the country. Healey and Democrat Tina Kotek (Oregon gubernatorial candidate) both started the day with a chance to become the state’s first openly lesbian elected governor.
Healey spoke to supporters at a downtown Boston hotel after his victory on Tuesday night.
“To those who voted for me and those who did not, I want you to know that I’m going to be everyone’s governor and I’m going to work with anyone who wants to make a difference in this state,” Healey said. Say.
Healy also spoke about the historic nature of her victory.
“I want to say something to every little girl and every young LGBTQ person tonight. I want to tell you tonight that you can be anyone, no matter what you want to be, except for your own imagination. Besides, no one can stand in your way, it’s not going to happen,” Healy said.
“I stand before you tonight proud to be the first woman and first gay elected governor of Massachusetts,” she added.
Deere told supporters at a Boston hotel that he had called Healey to congratulate her on her victory.
“The people of the Commonwealth have spoken out. I respect their choice and I ask everyone who supports me and Leah to give her the same chance, and if the shoe is on the other foot, I will ask,” he said, referring to His running mate, Leah Allen.
“Despite the result, I’m proud of the games we played in,” he added. “We’ve highlighted issues that are important to people across the state.”
Healy — elected eight years ago as the first openly gay attorney general in the U.S. — broke what Massachusetts has become known as the “Attorney General’s Curse.” Since 1958, six former Massachusetts attorneys general have sought the governor’s office. both failed.
During the campaign, Healey pledged to expand vocational training programs, make childcare more affordable and modernize schools. Healey also said she would protect “access to safe and legal abortion in Massachusetts” following the Supreme Court’s overturn of Roe v. Wade.
The 51-year-old also examines what she believes to be a range of accomplishments during her tenure as the state’s top law enforcement officer, including protecting students and homeowners from predatory lenders, and Sue Exxon Mobil on whether the oil giant has misled investors and the public about its knowledge of climate change.
Healy also Targeted OxyContin Manufacturer Purdue Pharma and members of the Sackler family, alleging they deceived patients and doctors about the risks of opioids.
During the election, Democrats warn Deere will “bring Trumpism to Massachusetts.” Deere served as co-chair of former President Donald Trump’s first presidential campaign in Massachusetts and won his support for governors in states that rejected Trump outright in 2016 and 2020.
Although Hillie was the first woman to be elected governor in Massachusetts, she was not the first woman to serve in the office. Then-Lieutenant Governor Jane Swift, a Republican, became acting governor in 2001 when Governor Paul Cellucci resigned as ambassador to Canada. Swift was never elected governor.
Republicans have held corner offices in the state Capitol for eight years since 1991, barring Democrat Deval Patrick’s tenure as governor.
In the race for Commonwealth minister, incumbent Democrat William Calvin defeated Republican Leyla Campbell, who would become the first black man to hold the position.
Republican Anthony Armour conceded to Democratic state Senator Diana Dizzoglio in state auditor race, while incumbent Democratic state Treasurer Deborah Goldberg was re-elected to a four-year term .
Steve LeBron, The Associated Press
US election