Simon Cataldo Next State Representative In 14th Middlesex District

CONCORD, MA — Simon Cataldo on Wednesday said he will represent all constituents, even those who voted against him, and he urged people to get involved and engaged in daily civic life.

Cataldo posted his message on social media after he became the apparent winner of Tuesday's race for state Representative in the 14th Middlesex District.

With 92.31 percent of the precincts reporting, Cataldo had 12,107 votes, while his Republican opponent Rodney Cleaves had 4,711 votes.

"Enough votes have been counted to say it: The voters of the 14th Middlesex District are sending me to Beacon Hill!" Cataldo wrote on Facebook.

Cataldo, a former special education teacher who has worked as a federal anti-corruption prosecutor in the U.S. Department of Justice, will take the state House seat previously held by Tami Gouveia. She left to run for lieutenant governor, finishing third in September's primary.

Cataldo held off challenges from Vivian Birchall and Patricia Wojtas in the primary, and then faced Cleaves in the general election.

Cataldo had taken an optimistic tone in the lead-up to Tuesday night.

"I hope it gives you some level of comfort that, as someone who has had to engage in substantive conversations with strangers from many backgrounds and ideological corners over the last year-plus, I maintain a great deal of confidence in the future of our democracy — more than I had in the summer of 2021," Cataldo had said in his final pitch to voters.

Cleaves, who worked in high tech for 40 years, had spoken out against what he called a "one-party tyranny" in Massachusetts.

In his post-election night message, Cataldo thanked Cleaves for a "vigorous and earnest campaign," and made it clear that his opponent's supporters will be a valuable members of his constituency.

"Democracy is about choices, and Rod gave the people of our district a choice," Cataldo wrote. "During this campaign, I met many voters — including Rod — whom I respect, and who cast a ballot for him. I intend to be a Representative for everyone who lives in the 14th Middlesex District. I know that I'll be counting on Rod and his supporters for input in areas where they have expertise, not the least of which concerns the challenges facing our foster care system."

Cataldo acknowledged the risks to freedoms and democracy that the country faces, but said the "non-involvement of should-be allies who aren't engaged" also is part of the problem.

"The best defense against hate, authoritarianism, and injustice — and one way to make our freedoms more durable — lies in the involvement of our residents in daily civic life," Cataldo said.

"So, please, if you're involved in local boards, causes, committees, keep at it, and thank you. Recruit more people to join you, especially people who don't look like you or are decades older or younger than you. If you're not already involved in some capacity, I'm happy to offer suggestions. I want to work with you."

Cataldo then concluded his message with a thank you to his supporters.

"I will do everything in my power to be a good steward of your trust, your efforts, and your investments in this campaign," Cataldo said.

Other Races (*indicates projected winner by the Associated Press. Numbers are reported by the AP)

U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES THIRD DISTRICT

• *Lori Trahan (D): 139,016 votes
• Dean Tran (R): 80,433 votes

Precincts reporting: 88.67 percent

STATE REPRESENTATIVE SIXTEENTH MIDDLESEX DISTRICT

• *Rodney Elliott (D): 7,172 votes
• Karla Jean Miller (R): 3,810 votes

Precincts reporting: 100 percent

STATE REPRESENTATIVE SECOND MIDDLESEX DISTRICT

• *James Arciero (D): 12,604 votes
• Raymond Xie (R): 6,838 votes

Precincts reporting: 100 percent

Candidates Running Unopposed

GOVERNOR'S COUNCIL 3rd DISTRICT

• *Marilyn Petitto Devaney (D)

STATE SENATE THIRD MIDDLESEX DISTRICT

• *Michael Barrett (D)

DISTRICT ATTORNEY NORTHERN DISTRICT

• *Marian Ryan (D)

SHERIFF MIDDLESEX COUNTY

• Peter Koutoujian (D)