Methuen Democratic City Committee Straw Poll Shows Strengths & Weaknesses for Local Candidates

6-11-22

The Methuen Democratic City Committee held their annual straw poll Sunday showing where demorat insiders stand on each of the state and local Democrats running for office in the State’s September 6th primary.

ITEMS OF NOTE:

In the race for governor, Methuen Democrats chose a white woman over a woman “of color” by a whopping 90% when they voted for current Attorney General Maura Healey for governor over Sonia Chang-Diaz.

In the Secretary of State race where incumbent Secretary Bill  Galvin is fighting for his life (he lost the convention),  Methuen Democrats seemed to give their approval with a vote of 53%-47%.

A few surprises in this poll is the state senate race, where incumbent City Councilor Eunice Zeigler is facing Lawrence City Councilor Pavel Payano and Lawrence resident Doris Rodriguez. Rodriguez was either left off the ballot or received zero votes. Zeigler,  who is a member of the city committee hosting the event was the top vote-getter , 59%-41%.

Most surprising in these poll numbers is the fact that Methuen Councilor Jim McCarty has been on the city council for five years but was only 14% points ahead of Lawrence City Councilor Estela Reyes. Hometown elected officials usually poll much higher among their own constituents and base supporters. Willie Lantigua received zero votes in this race.

In the state representative’s race between incumbent Marcos Devers and Methuen businessman Francisco Paulino; Methuen Democrats went outside the city for their pick of Marcos Devers, who will now represent some precincts in Methuen for the first time. Devers beat Paulino 73% – 27%.

DEMOCRATIC CITY COMMITTEE STRAW POLL
Governor
Healey – 130 – 90%
Chang-Díaz – 15 – 10%
Lieutenant Governor
Driscoll – 107 – 78%
Gouveia – 18 – 13%
Lesser – 13 – 9%
Attorney General
Campbell – 82 – 61%
Palfrey – 40 – 30%
Liss-Riordan – 13 – 9%
Secretary of the Commonwealth
Galvin – 79 – 53%
Sullivan – 69 – 47%
Auditor
DiZoglio – 131 – 90%
Dempsey – 14 – 10%
State Senator (First Essex District)
Zeigler – 85 – 59%
Payano – 59 – 41%
State Representative (4th Essex District)
McCarty – 81 – 57%
Reyes – 60 – 43%
Lantigua – 0 – 0%
State Representative (16th Essex District)
Devers – 101 – 73%
Paulino – 38 – 27%
Essex County District Attorney
Tucker – 117 – 85%
O’Shea – 21 – 15%
Essex County Sheriff
Coppinger – 112 – 81%
Leigh – 27 – 19%