Milford Woman Wants To Challenge Ryan Fattman For Senate Seat

MILFORD, MA — A well-known Milford Democrat will try to unseat Republican state Sen. Ryan Fattman in November — but first she has to make it through a primary election as a write-in candidate.

Christine Crean, 63, is the former chair of the Milford Democratic committee, and was social worker with the state Department of Children and Families. She's also a Town Meeting member and a state committee woman.

In a statement announcing her campaign, Crean didn't attack Fattman, but did say it's time for a change in the Worcester and Norfolk District's representation in the Legislature.

"I believe we need more social workers who know how to bring people together and fewer career politicians who only know how to divide people," she said in a news release.

Fattman, of Sutton, was first elected to the state Senate in 2014. He was challenged in 2018 by Democrat Thomas Merolli, an assistant treasurer in Mendon. Fattman won the race by 16 points.

The Worcester and Norfolk District stretches from Bellingham to Southbridge along the Rhode Island and Connecticut borders.

The Democratic primary will be held Sept. 1. The last day to register to vote in the primary is Aug. 12, and early voting for the primary begins in Milford on Aug. 22.