Election results this evening point to Republicans gaining seats on Beacon Hill. The Republican Caucus will gain multiple seats in the state legislature. The significance of these gains in a presidential election year in Massachusetts, particularly without a Republican in the corner office, cannot be overstated.
Massachusetts Republican Party Chair, Amy Carnevale, provided comment on the successful night stating, “If there was any question about the strength of the MassGOP, I think we answered that tonight. Since 1984, only one Republican has flipped a state legislative seat in a presidential election year. Tonight, we flipped three legislative seats including an incumbent Democrat who was the speaker pro-tem. All while protecting all of our incumbents that sought reelection. This evening’s results send a clear warning to Democrats on Beacon Hill that the days of ‘business as usual’ are over. Massachusetts voters are stepping up at the ballot box to demand more accountability and transparency.”
Chair Carnevale continued, “The wins this evening are a testament not only to the issues that our Republicans campaigned on, but also to the candidates themselves, who are a part of the fabric of the communities in which they ran. These candidates also worked incredibly hard to get their message out to voters.”
The electoral gains continue the trend begun in 2023 with the special election win by Senator Peter Durant, the first legislative seat that had been flipped by Massachusetts Republicans in seven years. Before this win, the last Republican legislative flip in a presidential cycle was in 2016, then breaking a 32-year drought.
The 2024 cycle is a direct contrast to 2022. That year, even with the momentum of a gubernatorial election, the MassGOP not only failed to gain seats but suffered additional losses.
The MassGOP is pleased that Ballot Question #1 to allow the Auditor to Audit the Legislature has passed by a comfortable margin. The MassGOP joined with Auditor DiZolgio in favor of this common sense measure to provide accountability and greater transparency to taxpayers. We are closely monitoring the incoming numbers for Ballot Question #5 and sincerely hope that it will be voted down for the sake of the restaurant industry and its patrons.
The MassGOP extends its heartfelt gratitude to John Deaton for his fearless and honest approach to campaigning. His dedication has been truly admirable and has played a vital role in enlightening voters about what strong leadership on the national stage should embody. As Party Chair Amy Carnevale stated, “John’s commitment to transparency and integrity has opened voters’ eyes to the qualities we need in our leaders.” His unwavering principles have set a powerful example for the future of our party and our nation.
Despite the challenges of a presidential election year, Massachusetts voters saw through the Democratic supermajority’s complete failure to address the migrant crisis that has left taxpayers with a staggering burden, exceeding $1 billion in spending this fiscal year alone. Projections indicate that these costs will continue—and potentially increase—in the coming years.
High taxes and burdensome regulations under Democratic leadership have created an economic climate that drives businesses and families away, contributing to a mass exodus of residents leaving Massachusetts.
Meanwhile, a profound lack of transparency on Beacon Hill keeps voters in the dark about their elected officials’ stances on critical issues, allowing spending on the migrant crisis and other key matters to be hidden from public view.
These failures pushed residents to the brink, compelling them to elect Republicans who are committed to real solutions, transparency, and putting Massachusetts families first.
The MassGOP wants to take a moment to congratulate Senator-elect Kelly Dooner, Representative-elect John Gaskey, Representative-elect Justin Thurber, and Representative-elect Ken Sweezey on their election victories and to express deep gratitude to the candidates who, despite not achieving the outcome they sought, worked tirelessly and sacrificed to improve our Commonwealth. We also extend congratulations to those who successfully defended their seats—marking the first time in recent memory that every Republican incumbent held their seat.
This is a historic night for Republicans in Massachusetts and we’re just getting started. We’re on to 2026.