Election Results: Dave Robertson Re-Elected In 19th Middlesex

MASSACHUSETTS — Incumbent Democrat Dave Robertson won re-election in the 19th Middlesex District state representative race against Republican Alec DiFruscia, Tuesday.

Robertson won by over 10 points and 3,000 votes, expanding on the 8 point margin he had in his first win, in 2018.

"I'm very proud and honored again," Robertson said. "They say the second election's the hardest. You can't just promise, you have to reflect on what's been done."

"It’s been an honor getting to know the families of Tewksbury and Wilmington," DiFruscia said. "I congratulate Rep. Robertson on his win and wish him the best in his second term. "

This year was Robertson's first one-on-one contest with a Republican challenger. He was elected in 2018 to replace James Micelli, his former boss, in a relatively close election featuring an independent candidate who took over 8 percent of the vote.

In 2018, the district's voters backed the Republican challenger to U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren. This year, Tewksbury and Wilmington voters picked Democrats up and down the ballot, backing Joe Biden and Sen. Ed Markey.

Robertson said that it was a challenge campaigning through the pandemic, requiring some "creative electioneering," but he found that leaving his phone number on pamphlets helped him respond to attacks against him.

DiFruscia campaigned on a pro-police, pro-tax message and attempted to tie Robertson closely to the left wing of the Democratic party. In the contest's sole debate, DiFruscia accused Robertson of "refusing to stand up to the radical left," while Robertson touted his record in office and hewed to the right of many of his Democratic colleagues on several policy questions.

"Long ago, I made the decision to dedicate myself back to this community," Robertson said. "Together, we've tackled real issues, with real enthusiasm."

"I can't wait to get back to work and continue serving the people," he said on election night.

More 2020 Election Coverage: Election Results: Polls Close In Massachusetts

With 100 percent of precincts reporting. The incumbent is marked with an asterisk (*). If the race has been called, the winning candidate is in bold.

18th Essex District

Dave Robertson (Democrat)* — 13,933 — 53.6 percent

Alec DiFruscia (Republican) — 10,808 — 41.6 percent.

Write-ins — 37 — 0.1 percent

Blanks — 1,211 — 4.7 percent