ROCKPORT — The Rockport Democratic Town Committee will host two Democratic hopefuls vying for election to the 5th Essex District seat in the Massachusetts House of Representatives this Saturday.
The candidates, former Rockport Select Board Chair Sarah Wilkinson and incumbent Rep. Andrew “Dru” Tarr of Gloucester, will discuss the issues and their candidacies at the committee’s meeting which will take place at 10 a.m. July 18 in the Brenner Room at the Rockport Public Library, 17 School St.
Wilkinson and Tarr, both Democrats, will face off during the 5th Essex District Democratic primary Sept. 1. The district covers Gloucester, Rockport, Essex and Manchester-by-the-Sea.
The winner of the Sept. 1 Democratic primary will face Republican Christina Delisio of Manchester and independent Gilbert Frieden of Essex during the general election Nov. 3.
David Narkewicz, chair of the Rockport Democratic Town Committee, said the meeting is a chance to learn more about the candidates.
“I encourage Rockport Democrats and any interested community members to attend our meeting to hear from Sarah Wilkinson and Rep. Andrew “Dru” Tarr and ask them questions about their candidacy,” he said.
The two candidates previously squared off in the March 3 special primary held to fill the seat following the death of Rep. Ann-Margaret Ferrante, D-Gloucester, on Thanksgiving Day last year.
Tarr won the special primary with 71% of the vote and went on to win the special election on March 20, earning 64% of the vote total. He was sworn in April 15.
Narkewicz said the Rockport Democratic Town Committee does not endorse candidates but the organization wanted to provide the opportunity for the hopefuls to meet with local Democrats and community members.
Those interested in participating with the Rockport Democratic Town Committee are encouraged to contact Narkewicz at chair@rockportdems.org. For more information about the upcoming meeting or to join the group’s e-mail list, visit www.rockportdems.org.
Stephen Hagan may be contacted at 978-675-2708, or shagan@gloucestertimes.com.