'Son Of Salem' Manny Cruz Wins 7th Essex State House Seat

SALEM, MA — Salem School Committee member Manny Cruz appears on his way to a seat at the State House after declaring victory in his bid for the Democratic nomination as the 7th Essex District state representative.

There is no Republican challenger on the November ballot.

"Thank you, Salem!!!!" Cruz posted on his campaign account shortly after 10 p.m. "I am so humbled to be serving as your next state representative.

"I want to thank my opponents Gene Collins and Domingo Dominguez for a hard-fought campaign. We are sending a proud son of Salem, and a champion of our values to Beacon Hill."

When Rep. Paul Tucker said in December he intended to run for Essex County District Attorney, three candidates jumped into the race and secured a spot on the ballot for the Democratic nomination.

Salem City Councilor At-Large Dominguez, Cruz and former Salem Planning Board and Board of Health member Collins were vying for the seat on Beacon Hill. Early unofficial results showed Cruz with a large lead in most precincts.

In unofficial results from the Salem Clerk's office, Cruz finished with 4,792 votes, with Dominguez second at 2,543 and Collins third at 651.

Salem Mayor Kim Driscoll was also the winner in the race to become the Democratic nominee for lieutenant governor. Coverage of that race can be found here.

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)