Politics & Government
'Earned This Win Together': O'Day Secures Democratic Nomination In 14th Worcester District
The ten-term incumbent in the district secured the Democratic nomination in a Worcester County legislative primary.
WORCESTER, MA — James O'Day won the Democratic nomination for the 15th Worcester District House seat Tuesday, defeating Barur "Raj" Rajeshkumar in one of Worcester County's two legislative primaries.
With five of 12 precincts reporting, O'Day had 2,090 votes, or 63.9 percent, compared with Rajeshkumar at 1,182 votes, or 36.1 percent, according to unofficial AP results reported by the Boston Globe after polls closed.
O'Day, a ten-term incumbent in the district, faced Rajeshkumar, a longtime Select Board member in West Boylston. The two worked to secure the legislative position, representing West Boylston and parts of Worcester, including Ward 1 Precinct 5, all of Ward 2, and Ward 3 Precincts 3, 5, and 6.
“Today, the voters of Worcester and West Boylston placed their trust in me to return to the State House. To everyone who supported our campaign, volunteered their time, and took a moment to talk with us throughout this election – thank you," O'Day wrote in a statement to Patch. "Whether you knocked doors, held a sign, or simply showed up to vote, we earned this win together. While I’m proud of my record these past 19 years and the positive campaign we ran, the work ahead remains. Our communities deserve an advocate who never stops fighting for them."
Candidates, Top Priorities
Before being elected, O'Day worked as a licensed social worker for the state for 24 years. When announcing his campaign, he said a top priority was strengthening Worcester's economy and expanding opportunities for residents.
He said he has done this by supporting major redevelopment efforts, including the factory redevelopment on the former Worcester State Hospital campus, the GreenTech Park and Greendale Revitalization initiatives, and the ongoing redevelopment of Great Brook Valley.
“My reason for running today is the same as when I first ran for this office,” O’Day said in a March announcement. “I want to make a difference in people’s lives. This district has trusted me to represent them, and I take that responsibility seriously every single day. I’m committed to continuing to deliver for Worcester and West Boylston.”
Meanwhile, Rajeshkumar has served on the Select Board in West Boylston since 2016, and said he has worked on town budgets, capital planning, public safety facilities, and long-term fiscal decisions, all skills he plans to bring to the State House.
"Worcester and West Boylston have been overlooked by the state for too long. We are living with the consequences," Rajeshkumar wrote in an announcement in February. "Overlooked no more. We deserve a State Representative who will stand up, fight for change, and bring our fair share of funding back Home."
He said he ran because representation at the State House is about more than casting votes.
"The most important work of a State Representative happens early, when decisions are made about local aid, school funding, infrastructure investment, and resources for our communities," he said.
Polls closed at 8 p.m. Election-night totals are unofficial and remain subject to local certification, according to the Secretary of the Commonwealth.
Editor's note: This story was last updated on Tuesday, Sept. 1 at 10:38 p.m.
