AMESBURY – Local resident Ted Semesnyei recently declared he will be running as a Republican for the role of state senator for Second Essex and Middlesex which will be up for grabs in 2027.
The seat is currently filled by Sen. Barry Finegold, D-Andover, who has held the office since 2019. Finegold’s term is set to end in 2027.
Second Essex and Middlesex District covers parts of Essex County (Amesbury, Andover, parts of Haverhill, Merrimac, North Andover) and Middlesex County (Tewksbury, Wilmington).
Semesynei, an economist, has vied for elected office numerous times, having run for mayor of Amesbury in 2011, 2019 and 2023 unsuccessfully as an independent.
“That was a great experience running for mayor,” he said. “It’s important to note I ran purely as an independent. So, that brought itself challenges, not being officially running as a Democrat or a Republican and having that sort of support behind me running things purely as an independent. However, I don’t regret that.”
Now a Republican, Semesnyei said he has learned a lot. about what it takes to run a successful campaign.
“That is one of the strengths I bring now as I’m proudly a member of the Republican party,” he said. “I feel at home in the Republican party. But, having that strong independent background is part of my unique strength that is going to be very helpful for my campaign and my goal of building up the Republican party. Having that independent spirit, not being afraid to challenge my own party to do better because we can do better,”.
Semesnyei said he decided to run for state senator because he believes the district has been overlooked in the past by state politicians.
“As somebody who has lived in Amesbury since 2004, I’ve seen that for too long, very simply, state-level leadership has failed our district. And, I feel strongly I am somebody who is uniquely qualified to bring that fresh voice that our district so desperately needs. And, stronger representation for the communities of Second Essex and Middlesex District,” he said.
Semesnyei said his campaign will focus on three pillars: transparency, cost of living issues and bringing more state tax dollars to the community level.
“All three of these issues are winning ideas that people, not just Republicans of course, but independents, Democrats, liberals can all get behind,” he said.
Semesnyei also worked as a Massachusetts coordinator for the 2024 presidential campaign of the current United States Secretary of Health and Human Services, Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Semesnyei said Kennedy’s campaign impacted his decision to re-enter local politics.
“That campaign was so inspiring,” he said.
However, Semesnyei said he does not entirely align with the beliefs of Kennedy and President Donald Trump, but rather their larger message.
“I believe in their general leadership of coalition and finding solutions, and that’s something that we can do here,” he said.
Semesnyei also said he is flexible about adjusting positions with the exception of some guiding principles.
“Obviously, I imagine that I have some positions and maybe everybody’s not going to agree with, that’s okay. I am somebody who is open to debate. I think debate is very good and very healthy, even vigorous debate. I am open to adjusting my opinions on policy positions if somebody comes to me with a strong enough argument with the facts. However, there are certain core things I will not waver on,” he said.
Now, as Semesynei enters the early stages of his campaign he said he is confident that a win is a possibility.
“I’m not here to waste anybody’s time. I’m not here to waste my time. I’m not here to waste the voters of this great district’s time. I wouldn’t be doing this if I didn’t think I could actually win, we can win this,” he said.
Finegold declined to comment when reached by The Daily News.