Two Candidates Running For Speliotis's Seat

DANVERS, MA — Former state Rep. Sally Kerans said in a Facebook post Saturday she plans to run for the seat currently held by Rep. Ted Speliotis.

"While I never expected to run for office again, much less run during a pandemic, I've decided to seek the Democratic nomination for the seat," Kerans said. "We are in unprecedented times and will deal with the devastating economic consequences of COVID-19 in the coming months and years. My experience in the Legislature and my involvement in civic life and local government in the years since I last served in the Legislature will serve me well in tackling these challenges."

Robert May, of Peabody, announced plans to run for the seat on April 18, before Speliotis said he would not run for reelection. May is a Republican and has already filed paperwork to form his campaign committee with the Massachusetts Office of Campaign and Political Finance.

Kerans, 59, of Danvers, held the seat from 1991 to 1997. Speliotis, who made his announcement Thursday, has held the seat since 1997. The district represents Danvers, Middleton and parts of Peabody.

Kerans, a Democrat, picked up her first endorsement 25 minutes after she posted her announcement, when Salem Mayor Kim Driscoll posted a Facebook post backing her.

"Hey Danvers, Middleton and Peabody Friends, Sally Kerans will be a great addition to the North Shore legislative delegation. She’s smart, capable, compassionate, experienced and funny!" Driscoll wrote. "If you live in Danvers or Middleton or the portion of Peabody represented by the 13th Essex District, you for sure want to sign Sally’s nomination papers and help her win."