Election Results: Kerans Wins Back 13th Essex District Seat

DANVERS, MA — Democrat Sally Kerans built a commanding lead in all eight Danvers precincts and Middleton before holding off Republican Robert May in West Peabody to win the 13th Essex District seat in the State House of Representatives.

Kerans held a 16 percentage point lead with Danvers and Middleton reporting that held up despite May winning West Peabody by about 7,000 votes.

"We won!!!'' Kerans proclaimed to supporters about 11:30 Tuesday night. "I'm grateful to the dozens of friends, supporters and volunteers who helped power our campaign to victory by standing at polls, dropping literature, sharing our posts, making phone calls and contributing to our campaign coffers.

"THANK YOU! More to follow in the coming days but for now, I am deeply grateful."

Kerans will return to the State House more than 20 years after she last represented Danvers and West Peabody in the 13th Essex District.

Kerans won with 46.0 percent, with May second at 37.1 percent, Independent William Bates third at 8.7 percent, Independent Jason Guida fourth at 6.0 percent and Independent Christopher Keohane fifth at 2.2 percent.

Voters had much to choose from in a crowded field of candidates that includes Kerans, May, Bates, Guida and Keohane.

State Rep. Ted Speliotis decided not to run for reelection after 23 years representing the district.

Guida conceded his portion of the race about 10 p.m.

"Tonight I came up short in our bid to serve as the State Representative in the 13th Essex District,." Guida said in a statement. "I truly appreciate everyone's support, dedication, time and faith in me. The best part of this campaign for me was the opportunity to meet so many great people in Danvers, Peabody and Middleton."

The deep field provided a challenge for candidates to stand out for attention for all candidates.

"This has been difficult given the pandemic," Bates said. "But while wearing masks and social distancing, I have been able to have a conversation with many in the district and have found this a most rewarding, humbling and positive experience."

Race Results: (100 Percent Reporting)

Bates (I): 8.7 percent

Guida (I): 6.0 percent

Keohane (I): 2.2 percent

Kerans (D): 46.0 percent

May (R): 37.1 percent

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