Coppinger Wins 10th Suffolk State Representative Seat

Ed Coppinger has claimed victory in a six-way Democratic primary race for state representative in the 10th Suffolk District.

An unofficial tally has Coppinger with around 2,600 votes; Kelly Tynan had 1,538, then Bob Joyce at 932; Paul Sullivan at 859; Pamela Julian at 814; and Matt Benedetti at 399. 

At the West Roxbury Pub, At-Large Boston City Councilor John Connolly announced the vote totals to what had already become a Coppinger celebration party. Moments later, Coppinger walked in to applause and the Black Eyes Peas' "I've got a feeling." Coppinger smiled and greeted supporters and family. 

"The pride of the neighborhood came out today," Coppinger said. "I'm thankful."

State Representative candidate Kelly Tynan was in the audience as well, having given her own campaign supporters the news. Coppinger applauded Tynan for running a clean campaign and said he would support her in another political race—as long as it weren't against him. 

Coppinger's support clearly came from the West Roxbury side of his district. According to an unofficial tally from the Town Clerk's Office, Coppinger won just 12 percent of the vote in precincts 14, 15 and 16 in Brookline, which are included in the 10th Suffolk District. Pamela Julian, the only candidate currently living in Brookline, took 44.5 percent of the Brookline vote, followed by Kelly Tynan at 29.6 percent.

The Republican Party has not fielded a candidate in the 10th Suffolk District, so today's primary victory clears Coppinger's path to the Beacon Hill following the November general election.