NEWBURYPORT — Overcoming torrential rain to start Tuesday’s statewide primary, folks still made their way out to the polls across the city.
With polls open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., a steady stream of cars were spotting coming in and out of the Newburyport Senior/Community Center parking lot about 12:30 p.m. as people held signs supporting candidates.
Locally, folks were locked into races like the Democratic primary for U.S. Senate between incumbent Ed Markey and U.S. Rep. Seth Moulton; and the five-way primary to fill Moulton’s seat featuring Democrats Bethany Andres-Beck of Middleton, John Beccia of Lynnfield, Jamie Belsito of Topsfield, Dan Koh of Andover and Tram Nguyen of Andover.
Another race drawing plenty of attention was the one for 1st Essex in the Massachusetts House of Representatives. Incumbent Dawne Shand, D-Newburyport, is fending off a challenge from Salisbury lawyer Stephen A. Roth for the Democratic nomination.
About 9:45 a.m., Nguyen arrived outside Newburyport’s Hope Community Church where she held signs and umbrellas with about a half dozen supporters and Shand.
“We’re feeling pumped and the momentum is with us,” said Nguyen, who represents the 18th Essex District in the House of Representatives.
Nguyen, who began her day at 7 a.m. and voted in Andover, praised members of her campaign and supporters for helping to build up what she called the “excitement and energy” leading up to Election Day.
Shand said she is proud of the campaign she has been running.
“It’s been an honor to work with Tram,” Shand said. “I’m just very moved by how much we’ve gotten accomplished, how much her campaign has gotten done, how much my campaign has gotten done and it’s exciting. I’m really glad today is here.”
Shand and Nguyen said the rain wouldn’t dampen their spirits or turnout.
“As a gardener, we need it,” Shand said.
“I’m a big believer that rain brings luck,” Nguyen added. “I won my first election in 2018 in pouring rain like this.”
Nguyen and Shand received support from the Newburyport Democratic City Committee as two members stood near the Senior/Community Center with signs for them.
Newburyport DCC Vice Chair Katherine Gendron stood outside in a coat holding a sign for Nguyen.
“I’m supportive of her and she’s been a legislator for eight years now and elected four times, so she knows about the office,” Gendron said.
Gendron said she likes her progressive policies and immigrant background.
“After law school, she chose legal aid services to help others rather than go into a lucrative law practice,” Gendron said
Asked how turnout had been, Gendron said it was not what she was hoping to see.
“I’ve only been here from 11 to now, and this is supposed to be a busy time. It isn’t half as busy as usual.
Standing next to her holding a sign for Shand, PEG Center Director and Newburyport DCC member Paula Estey said she has been impressed with Shand’s track record.
“I’ve seen her work really hard,” Estey said.
While Estey agreed voting had been slower than expected, she said the response has been good from those who did come out to vote.
“I’m seeing people give us smiles and waves,” Estey said.
Across the entrance, Roth’s father, Stephen C. Roth, was held a sign and wore a shirt supporting his son.
“It is his first foray into politics and my wife and I are very proud of him,” Steven C. Roth said. “He’s an immigration attorney, very passionate, and he really wants to make a difference in the state.”
He said there was “a good turnout” and is glad the race had not become contentious.
“It’s been very civil,” Roth said. “They had a nice debate.”
Voting results were not available at the time of this report and will be posted on newburyportnews.com later on Wednesday.
Daily News editor Dave Rogers contributed to this report.
Matt Petry covers Amesbury and Salisbury for The Daily News of Newburyport. Email him at: mpetry@northofboston.com.