Cataldo Wins Democratic Primary For State Rep. In 14th Middlesex Dist.

CONCORD, MA — Simon Cataldo has won the Democratic primary for state representative in the 14th Middlesex District, the Associated Press reported on Wednesday.

According to the AP, with all of the precincts reporting, Cataldo had 4,565 votes (57.4 percent), while Vivian Birchall had 2,205 votes (27.7 percent) and Patricia Wojtas had 1,179 votes (14.8 percent).

Cataldo said on social media Wednesday that both Birchall and Wojtas had "graciously extended their congratulations."

Cataldo, from Concord, will face Republican Rodney Cleaves in November's general election. Cleaves ran unopposed in the Republican primary.

The winner of the general election will succeed Democrat Tami Gouveia as the state representative in the 14th district. Gouveia ran for lieutenant governor, where she finished third in Tuesday's primary, which was won by Kimberley Driscoll.

According to his website Cataldo, had called the 14th Middlesex District home since he was 3 years old. He is a former special education teacher who has worked as a federal anti-corruption prosecutor with the U.S. Department of Justice.

Cataldo, according to the website, has dedicated his life to fighting for special education students, environmental justice and integrity in government.

On Wednesday, Cataldo took to social media to thank his opponents for ensuring the primary was focused on issues.

"In today’s political climate, that is not something to be taken for granted," Cataldo wrote. "The mutual admiration and congeniality many of you have observed among the three of us in our public appearances is genuine."

Cataldo thanked his supporters and looked ahead to the general election.

"I will continue to focus on how we can deliver effective and inclusive representation to the residents of the 14th Middlesex District," Cataldo wrote. "I want to carry on the good and courageous work of the esteemed representatives who have held this seat in the past; in particular and most recently, Rep. Cory Atkins and Rep. Tami Gouveia."

Cataldo continued: I'm eager to reach out to even more residents, listen to their concerns and earn their votes in November. This is how we'll do our part to build faith in democracy and deliver good government to the people of Acton, Carlisle, Chelmsford, and Concord."