Buckley Withdraws From State Rep Race

TEWKSBURY, MA -- Erin Buckley, one of two Republicans running for the 19th Middlesex state representative seat to represent Tewksbury and Wilmington, withdrew from the race Tuesday. Buckley withdrew because of "an unexpected change in a long-term health issue for her husband," according to a press release sent by her campaign.

"She is immensely grateful for the support she received from the community and wishes the rest of the candidates luck in their continued campaigns, the statement said.

Buckley's withdrawal leaves Pina Prinzivalli, of Tewksbury, unopposed in the September 4 Republican primary. There are five Democrats and one independent also running for the seat, which has been vacant since James Miceli, a Wilmington Democrat, died in April. Prinzivalli, who entered the race last year, is the only candidate who declared her candidacy before Miceli's death.

"I wish Erin and her husband all the best with their difficult decision and hope they enjoy a future of good health," Prinzivalli said in a message posted on Twitter Tuesday afternoon. "I thank them for their work in the community and I appreciate the challenge and perspective that Erin brought to the race."

Buckley, 34, worked as finance director for Rick Green's campaign for Congress and holds a B.S. in political science from Salem State University. She and her husband J.W. live in Tewksbury.

Remaining Candidates

Click on a link to read Patch's candidate profile of the remaining candidate's below. If a candidate's name does not include a link, they have not responded to Patch's request for information to compile the profiles:

Republicans

• Pina Prinzivalli (R-Tewksbury)

Democrats

• Wilmington Democratic Town Committee Chair Erika Johnson (D-Wilmington)
• Tewksbury Selectman Mark Kratman (D-Tewksbury)
• Wilmington Selectman Michael McCoy (D-Wilmington)
• Former Wilmington Selectwoman & School Committee member Judy O'Connell (D-Wilmington)
• Jim Miceli's Chief of Staff Dave Robertson (D-Tewksbury)

Independent

• Shawsheen Tech School Committee Member Patricia Meuse (I-Tewksbury)

Are you running to represent Tewksbury and Wilmington in the state legislature? Contact Dave Copeland at dave.copeland@patch.com for information on being featured in a candidate's profile and submitting campaign announcements to Patch.

Never miss another local news story: Get free local news alerts right to your inbox.

Patch file photo submitted by Erin Buckley.

Dave Copeland can be reached at dave.copeland@patch.com or by calling 617-433-7851. Follow him on Twitter (@CopeWrites) and Facebook (/copewrites).