Gabriel Gomez Takes Braintree by Wide Margin But Loses Statewide

Though Ed Markey handily defeated Republican Gabriel Gomez, earning a seat in the U.S. Senate at least until fall 2014, Gomez easily bested the Democrat in Braintree, 57 percent to 42 percent.

Like Scott Brown before him, Gomez demonstrated popularity in Braintree, which trends blue for presidential candidates but has gone Republican in recent senate and governor races. The former Navy SEAL took 4,372 votes to Markey's 3,186. 

Statewide, voters went for Markey 55 percent to 45 percent, according to the Associated Press. Markey takes the seat left vacant by Secretary of State John Kerry. He will face another election in 17 months for a full, six-year term.

Local turnout Tuesday hit 30 percent, significantly higher than the 22 percent originally forecast by Town Clerk Joe Powers. Across Massachusetts, turnout was approximately 27 percent.

The Braintree results are unofficial and must be certified by the Board of Registrars.

Twelve Visions candidate Richard A. Heos took 21 votes in Braintree.