North Shore State Legislators Survive Election Challenges

BEVERLY, MA — Two North Shore legislators easily survived election challenges Tuesday — while several others ran unopposed in this year's cycle — as the regional delegation remained unchanged amid the national upheaval.

Democrat State Sen. Joan Lovely was challenged in the 2nd Essex District for a second straight election cycle, but once again emerged with a convincing victory. According to unofficial results, she earned 39,650 votes across Beverly, Danvers, Peabody and Salem, with Republican challenger Damian Anketell earning 23,956 votes.

"I want to thank my constituents in the Second Essex District for their overwhelming support," Lovely said. "I look forward to continuing my service to them in the term ahead."

State Rep. Jerry Parisella won the Beverly 6th Essex District overwhelmingly with 16,218 votes to 5,402 for Republican Ty Vitale and 1,179 for All-American party candidate Euplio Marciano.

"Thank you residents of the 6th Essex District for your tremendous support and confidence in me," Parisella posted in a message to supporters late Tuesday night. "Very much appreciated."

State Sen. Brendan Crighton (D-Lynn), and State Reps. Thomas Walsh (D-Peabody), Sally Kerans (D-Danvers), Manny Cruz (D-Salem) and Jenny Armini (D-Marblehead) all ran unopposed.

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. X/Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)