Rausch Declares Victory In Tight Race For MA Senate Seat

MILFORD, MA — Incumbent Democratic state Sen. Rebecca Rausch has declared victory in a closely watched race between one of Beacon Hill's most progressive members and one of its most conservative.

Rausch declared victory just after 11:30 p.m. Tuesday, although about 20 percent of precincts in the Norfolk, Worcester and Middlesex district were still left to be counted as of 9 a.m. Wednesday. Rausch was leading Wrentham Republican state Rep. Shawn Dooley with 36,292 votes to his 29,936.

"We won! It is my honor to be returning to Beacon Hill as your Senator. Thank you," Rausch said Tuesday night.

Rausch faced a tougher reelection bid in 2022 following the redistricting process in the wake of the 2020 Census. Her district shifted away from more Democratic-leaning communities like Natick, Wayland, Wellesley and Needham and picked up towns like Dover, Milford, Franklin, Medfield and Bellingham. Part of Rausch's new district includes territory previously overseen by Republican state Sen. Ryan Fattman.

Rausch also missed out on an endorsement from Democratic governor-elect Maura Healey — one of only two incumbent Democratic state senators Healey did not endorse in 2022.

Rausch ran in 2022 on a broad platform, but focused heavily on reproductive rights. She was endorsed by groups including the Massachusetts Teachers Association, Massachusetts Nurses Association, Moms Demand Action and Planned Parenthood.