Candidates Face Off In Wakefield Senate, House 2026 Primaries

WAKEFIELD, MA — Three Democrats are seeking their party's nomination for the 5th Middlesex state Senate District in the Sept. 1 Massachusetts primary.

The candidates are state Rep. Kate Lipper-Garabedian of Melrose, and two Malden city councilors, Carey McDonald and Ryan J. O'Malley, according to the Secretary of the Commonwealth's official candidate list.

The district includes all of Wakefield, Reading, Stoneham, Malden and Melrose, along with Precincts 1, 2, 3 and 8 in Winchester. State Sen. Jason Lewis currently represents the district but is not among the candidates seeking the Democratic nomination this year.

Wakefield voters in Precincts 1, 2, 3 and 7 will also decide a contested Democratic primary for the 9th Essex state House District. Peter Meaney and Zosia Jean VanMeter, both of Lynn, are seeking the party's nomination.

State Rep. Donald H. Wong, a Republican, represents the district.

Wakefield voters in Precincts 4, 5 and 6 will also decide a contested Democratic primary for the 32nd Middlesex state House District. John Higgins of Melrose and Leila Bhatti Migliorelli of Wakefield are seeking the party's nomination, according to Wakefield's official sample ballot. Lipper-Garabedian currently represents the district.

Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sept. 1. All Wakefield precincts vote at Galvin Middle School, 525 Main St. Early voting runs through Aug. 28 at Town Hall. More information on voting is available by clicking here.