Politics

Cambridge state rep. appears to keep her seat after challenger declares victory

Graduate student Evan MacKay reportedly declared victory Tuesday night, but new results on Wednesday signal state Rep. Majorie Decker will stay in the state legislature.

Incumbent Marjorie Decker gave a concession speech in Cambridge Tuesday night. New results Wednesday signaled she'll stay in the legislature.
Incumbent Marjorie Decker gave a concession speech in Cambridge Tuesday night. New results Wednesday signaled she'll stay in the legislature. (Danielle Parhizkaran/Globe Staff)

State Rep. Marjorie Decker will keep her seat in the state legislature representing Cambridge after a close Democratic primary Tuesday between her and a progressive Harvard University graduate student and organizer.

Despite reportedly declaring victory Tuesday night, challenger Evan MacKay did not garner enough votes to unseat Decker, according to results released Wednesday.

Decker has represented the 25th Middlesex District since 2012.

According to the new unofficial results, Decker won with 3,472 votes to MacKay’s 3,431. 

Decker won’t have a Republican challenger in November, so Tuesday’s primary all but ensures she stays in the state legislature.

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The Cambridge Election Commission shared unofficial results Tuesday signaling that MacKay won with 3,354 votes to Decker’s 3,314. The commission then met Wednesday afternoon to review provisional ballots and hand-count about 250 other ballots.

Evan MacKay, a Democratic candidate running for state representative in the 25th Middlesex District, talks to volunteers before canvassing in Cambridge in July. (Danielle Parhizkaran/Globe Staff)

On election night, MacKay had reportedly declared victory at their party in Cambridge, saying “our movement has won this election,” The Boston Globe reported. Decker did not formally concede, and her campaign consultant told the Globe that MacKay’s celebration was rash.

“Declaring victory is irresponsible,” said consultant Jason Cincotti told the paper. “It’s reckless and it’s incorrect. We are waiting for all the votes to be counted.”

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The Cambridge Day reported that the election results will be certified by Saturday, but that counts aren’t expected to change.

Neither of the candidates returned a request for comment Wednesday afternoon.

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Molly Farrar is a general assignment reporter for Boston.com, focusing on education, politics, crime, and more.

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