Editor’s note: This article will be updated with the latest feedback and insights from Worcester residents. Refresh the page for the most updated version.
In what is being regarded as one of the biggest political comebacks, Donald Trump easily clinched the presidency, securing and exceeding the number of electoral votes needed to win, and also claiming the popular vote. It also will likely go down in history as the most contentious presidential battle in modern history with the right maintaining that Republicans need to “make America great again” and the left arguing that it could well mark the end of democracy as we know it.
Some 65,545 voted in Worcester in the 2024 election, including early voting, absentee voting, by mail voting, and Election Day voting, representing 55% of the city’s turnout.
The reaction was swift and fierce and will likely not die down anytime soon. Nationally, regionally, and locally here in Worcester.
“What an incredible journey this election season has been, one that has shown us the power of dedication, resilience, and belief in a brighter future,” wrote Sean Rose, chair of the Worcester Democratic City Committee on its Facebook page following the results. “While the results may not have turned out exactly as we hoped, we’ve laid important groundwork and built a stronger foundation for the work ahead.”
Rose extended heartfelt congratulations to U.S. Rep. Jim McGovern, Governor’s Councilor Paul DePaolo, and Sen. Elizabeth Warren, all of whom were reelected, and also to Sheila Dibb, who lost her bid for Worcester-Hampshire state senator to Republican Peter Durant.
“Sheila, your tenacity and commitment to our community were inspiring, especially after getting on the ballot through a write-in campaign—a true testament to the energy and support you have built,” he continued. “To all who voted, volunteered, and supported this campaign in so many ways, thank you. We’ve taken important steps forward, and I’m hopeful for all we can accomplish together as we move into the next chapter. Let’s keep this momentum going as we continue fighting for the values we believe in and building the future we all deserve.”
Strong sentiment of frustration
Durant pointed to a strong sentiment of frustration among Americans reflected in the recent election.
“If these election results, across the country, show anything, it’s that Americans are angry and they said that loudly and clearly. They’re tired of being talked down to,” he explained. Having won a seat that had long been held by Democrats, Durant expressed gratitude for the voters’ trust, reaffirming his commitment to working hard for them. He also noted the increase in Republican seats in the legislature, saying it shows that “voters are seeking balance in their government.”
Looking forward, Durant highlighted legislative priorities, particularly in assisting homeowners facing issues with crumbling foundations.
“We were able to get legislation passed in the Senate to begin the process of helping these homeowners,” he stated while urging the Governor to sign the bill into law. If that doesn’t happen, he vowed to refile the legislation in the next session to continue advocating for affected families.
Shortly after the election results emerged, Karen Spilka, Massachusetts senate president, said in a statement: “Massachusetts may be the home of American democracy, but it is also the community we call home—and I take the responsibility to protect our community—and its residents—very seriously. In Massachusetts, we will always uphold the right to respectfully disagree, speak our minds, worship the way we choose, be our true selves, and love who we love.
“We have faced an anti-democratic presidency before, and we responded by doubling down on defending reproductive freedom, protecting the health care of all our residents regardless of gender or gender identity, strengthening voter protections, and creating comprehensive climate policy to protect our state—and our nation—from the devastating effects of climate change. The Massachusetts State Senate stands ready to fight for the fundamental values our Commonwealth holds dear once again.”
Election’s impact on Massachusetts
The Worcester Guardian reached out to Rose on Wednesday, asking what he thinks the election of Trump means not only for the country but for Massachusetts and Worcester County.
“I believe it brings significant challenges and concerns for Massachusetts, and especially for communities like Worcester,” said Rose. “Trump’s policies and priorities often contrast sharply with the values and needs of our state. Here in Worcester, which prides itself on diversity, inclusivity, and supporting working families, his presidency could potentially affect federal support for programs that our residents rely on, from healthcare access to housing assistance and funding for public education.”
Rose said that not only was the fact that Trump won surprising to many, but it has been equally shocking that he achieved a larger margin than expected in some areas.
“His ability to mobilize such strong support is a complex phenomenon,” continued Rose. “Several factors likely contributed: economic anxiety, a sense of disconnection between everyday people and political institutions, and his messaging on issues like jobs and border security, which resonated with a significant number of voters. Trump’s campaign tapped into a deep sense of frustration, and he presented himself as an alternative to traditional politics. While this messaging attracted many, it also raises concerns about how his policies might impact communities like Worcester. We remain committed to advocating for policies that uplift everyone in our city and state, regardless of this new political landscape.”
McGovern was a shoo-in once again
Incumbent McGovern was a shoo-in once again, having represented Massachusetts’ District 2 since 2013, winning 73.91% of the vote to hold his seat in Congress against challenger Cornelius Shea, I-Shrewsbury, who pulled in 25.57%.
In an official statement, McGovern wrote, “Donald Trump has won. A majority of people voted for him. I am sad and deeply concerned that he will be our next president. You can’t love your country only when you win—and I commend Vice President Kamala Harris for conceding the race with decency and class, unlike Donald Trump who tried to overturn the election four years ago when he lost, and who planned to call it rigged again if the results didn’t go his way. Look, this is a painful and disappointing outcome. Like so many of you, I’m worried.”
McGovern said that he is worried about what this election means for the future, for the most vulnerable members of society, and for what it means for democracy. He also said he fears the election of Trump will prompt many to give up and unplug from politics for the next four years.
“We cannot go back, only forward—and the hard work of protecting America from the most devastating impacts of a second Donald Trump presidency begins today. Democrats are not defeated. We know what to fight for because we know what we stand for. An economy that works for working people. A government that respects everyone. A positive vision for a better future where we address big problems like climate change, hunger, and poverty. We will work day and night to highlight the sharp contrast between our hopeful vision for the future, and Donald Trump’s dark desire to drag us back. Let me end with this. The beauty of democracy is that no defeat is final—we will continue to fight for our values and push for progress. Where Democrats can find common ground, we will work together to get things done. Where we cannot, we will stand up for what we believe. The work goes on, and I pledge to fight on behalf of all who stake their hopes and dreams on our success.”
Shea’s Facebook statement
Shea ran a relatively soft, quiet campaign that did not jump out in the media. Shea did not respond to multiple requests from the Worcester Guardian to participate in pre or post-election discussions.
Shea said in a Facebook statement: “Thank you to everyone who voted today and to everyone who supported this campaign! When all the votes are tallied up we will have given around 400,000 citizens a CHOICE over the future of Massachusetts. I couldn’t have done it without the help of my fearless supporters and for that, I am forever grateful.”
“Hoping you try again! You took a big bite into his numbers and we were incredibly proud of your hard work,” wrote a Shea supporter on social media.
Durant shared his insights on the election results with the Guardian, reflecting on both his campaign and broader national trends.
Having served in both local government and the state legislature, Durant noted that election outcomes often defy predictions, despite data analysis and trend-watching. “In the end, when a person is alone in the voting booth, what they’re going to do can’t be predicted,” he said, adding that he’s seen predictions range from “spot on” to “so far off it was amazing.”
Ballot questions, local reaction
Not only were the political choices contentious, but the Massachusetts ballot questions brought out lots of shots from the battlefield, particularly Question 2, which looked to eliminate the MCAS requirement to graduate, and Question 5, which would raise the minimum wage for tipped workers.
Voters in Worcester mirrored the rest of the state in their choices, giving a thumbs up to audit the legislature, ditch the MCAS requirement, and let rideshare workers unionize. They rejected questions 4 and 5, which would legalize psychedelic drug therapy and raise the minimum wage for tipped workers, respectively.
While a majority (59% in Massachusetts, 61.63% in Worcester) supported eliminating the MCAS requirement, as was evident in the vote, Mary Bourque, Ed.D expressed her disappointment on behalf of the Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents, stating, “The leaders of M.A.S.S. are disappointed that the passage of Question 2 lowers the bar for our high school graduates. The ballot question stipulates no replacement for MCAS exams as a statewide graduation requirement, and Massachusetts already lacks a required course of study for earning a high school diploma.
“Throughout this election season, we heard state leaders on both sides of the issue declare their support for revisiting statewide graduation requirements, and we fully intend to hold them to those commitments. Superintendents across the Commonwealth are eager to engage in a meaningful process to establish new graduation requirements that maintain high standards without relying on standardized tests alone.”
Strong potential for a triple loss
Michael Covino, president of Niche Hospitality Group, voiced strong support for the “No” vote on Question 5, arguing it would have caused multiple problems.
“I felt like the proposed legislation was a strong potential for a triple loss,” Covino told The Worcester Guardian. “A big loss of potential revenue for the tipped employees, a loss for the guests due to rising prices to cover the new cost of wages, and a loss to the business because we can’t raise prices in direct correlation to the rise of wages.”
Covino reiterated that already, by law, tipped employees in Massachusetts make the current minimum wage if they don’t pull enough in by way of tips. It’s very rare, he said, for them to have to make up these wages.
“It would be due to inclement weather or extraneous circumstances, which tells us that the current system is working,” he added. “The tipped employees and the guests were at the mercy of watching this play out should it have passed. The business leaders would have at least had the opportunity to raise prices or add a service charge in defense but the potential for getting that wrong leading to loss of employees, loss of guests, and potential closure were all very real possibilities.”
This article will be updated with the latest feedback and insights from Worcester residents. Refresh the page for the most updated version. Reach out to editor Charlene Arsenault at carsenault@theworcesterguardian.org
