STATE REP. Marjorie Decker is up by 41 votes over Democratic primary challenger Evan MacKay, according to the latest numbers from the Cambridge elections department.
The numbers, obtained by CommonWealth Beacon, show Decker winning with 3,472 votes to MacKay’s 3,431 votes. The new numbers are based on previously uncounted ballots, including overseas ballots. It was unclear on Wednesday how many more ballots, if any, remain uncounted.
The current numbers swing what appeared to be a 40-vote primary loss for Decker that surfaced close to 1 a.m. on Wednesday into a slight win Wednesday afternoon. MacKay, a democratic socialist and Harvard University graduate student, declared victory on Tuesday while Decker did not concede.
Either way, the race could very well be headed for a recount given the close vote. Neither campaign offered a comment, but Decker told State House News Service she was “feeling optimistic” but not ready to declare victory.
MacKay, a first-time candidate, raised more than $70,000 and pitched himself as a progressive alternative to Decker, who MacKay criticized for being too close to the powers that be on Beacon Hill. Decker, the co-chair of the Public Health Committee, is in her sixth term and considered a close ally of House Speaker Ron Mariano and other top lawmakers.
The district is located entirely in Cambridge, and includes Harvard Square, Porter Square, and Central Square.
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