Election Results: Cusack Wins Re-Election Over Collins

BRAINTREE, MA — Rep. Mark Cusack (D-Braintree) has won re-election against Republican challenger Frank Collins in the 5th Norfolk District, according to unofficial results.

With 100 percent of the vote in, Cusack garnered 14,756 votes compared to Collins' 8,447.

Collins tried to position himself as the better advocate for businesses across the district. In a debate earlier this month, Collins said he will advocate for federal relief for businesses during the coronavirus pandemic and accused Cusack of wanting to get "rocking and rolling" on taxes at the expense of local businesses.

"When a small business calls me, I'm going to return their calls," Collins said. "We have to resign in spending."

Cusack disputed Collins' claim saying he wasn't calling for taxes to get "rocking and rolling," but wanted the Legislature's revenue committee to "do its business and hold hearings." He said from a budget perspective, things are going to be difficult for a while, but he will continue to advocate for lessening the blunt on the district as much as possible.

Cusack said the state passed local aid to extend liquor licenses, allowing for outdoor seating at restaurants, pushed back tax deadlines and expanded unemployment. With the pandemic forcing the closing of businesses and other public gatherings, Cusack said the state has lost $3.6 billion in revenue this current fiscal year.

"That is obviously going to affect things going forward," Cusack said. "It's not just this fiscal year. It's going to be painful for a while."

Though revenue is going to be a challenge, Cusack said the state is fortunate to have a $3.5 billion rainy day fund to help. He said there's over 550 bills on the table for relief and ways to raise additional revenue, and all of those need to be explored, especially with the growing unlikelihood that more federal relief will come anytime soon.

Unofficial Results

Mark Cusack, D (inc.) - 14,756

Frank Collins, R - 8,137

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