Incumbent Stanley Wins 9th Middlesex District Election: AP

MASSACHUSETTS — Incumbent State Rep. Thomas Stanley has claimed victory in the 9th Middlesex District as the Associated Press shows him with a commanding lead.

Stanley was running against Republican Carly Downs and independent Sean Diamond.

As of 10:20 p.m., the Associated Press showed Stanley with more than 70 percent of the vote with about 88 percent of it counted. It called the race for him a few minutes later.

Stanley took to Facebook to shared a message of gratitude.

"I was honored to receive the votes of so many Waltham residents," he wrote.

He continued:

"I share this re-election victory with many good people. I am very grateful to Mayor Jeannette McCarthy, Waltham City Councilors and School Committee members who support my campaign. And many thanks to friends and neighbors who have me their help in this effort."

Stanley, the incumbent, has been in the position since 2001. He comes from a political lineage as his father, William Stanley, was the mayor of Waltham during the 1980s and 90s. Stanley also serves on the Waltham City Council.

Carly Downs ran unopposed in the Republican primary for the seat.

Diamond, an independent, is running under the banner of the Forward Party.