Primary elections concluded across Massachusetts on Tuesday, drawing Springfield voters to the polls for two key Democratic state legislative races, including a highly contested State Senate seat for the First Hampden District.

Incumbent State Senator Adam Gomez declared victory at his watch party at Las Kangris Restaurant shortly before the Associated Press confirmed his win. With no Republican challenger on the November ballot, Gomez’s primary victory guarantees his third term on Beacon Hill. Unofficial results show Gomez defeated City Councilor Malo Brown by a three-to-one margin, securing nearly 70 percent of the votes.

Gomez arrived at his watch party accompanied by his wife and three children, taking time to thank his family, volunteers, fellow state legislators, and local mayors Joshua Garcia of Holyoke and John Vieau of Chicopee for their support. Despite the celebratory atmosphere, the race was marked by contentious exchanges, including mutual accusations of ethics violations between the candidates.

“Change has come,” Gomez declared in his victory speech. “Change will continue.” He emphasized his commitment to bringing resources and funding to Western Massachusetts, working closely with other legislators to support his district.

The First Hampden District seat covers most of Springfield and about one-third of Chicopee, and both this race and the 11th Hampden District representative contest were decided in the primary. Despite the high stakes, voter turnout remained low, a concern echoed by voters at the Rebecca Johnson School polling station in Ward 4.

“It is very important,” said Springfield resident Kimberle Streeter. “Our state representative makes a difference for me.” Streeter, who works for a nonprofit, highlighted the significance of having strong legislative representation, especially as the region grapples with a severe housing crisis that requires state funding.

Another voter, Lattoy McDowell, expressed concern about the lack of awareness surrounding the election. “I just want to exercise my right to vote,” McDowell said. “I feel some people don’t know about the election. You see the signs, but there hasn’t been much publicity about it.”

Celebrating his victory, Gomez thanked the diverse community that supported his campaign. “I want to thank my community… no matter what color, creed, background, no matter how you want to identify, came together and made sure this campaign from the very beginning was victorious.”

Gomez first won the State Senate seat in 2020 and, following this latest win, he looks forward to continuing his work for the First Hampden District.