2020 Candidates

Here we have a comprehensive list of electoral candidates running for state positions, as well as the districts they represent. Our goal is to provide you with a snapshot of each of the candidates, what they stand for, and who they represent as a party. We’ve also included a little background information wherever possible. Our hope is that you can learn here about who’s running for what seat, and how it might affect you and your community.

U.S. SENATOR 

INCUMBENT – ED MARKEY Democrat 

  • Senator Edward J. Markey, a consumer champion and national leader on energy, environmental protection and telecommunications policy, has a prolific legislative record on major issues across the policy spectrum and a deep commitment to improving the lives of the people of Massachusetts and our country. 

KEVIN O’CONNOR Republican 

  • Kevin O’Connor is running for U.S. Senate to bring much needed change to Washington. He supports term limits and pledges to serve no more than two terms in the Senate. He will be a champion for education and the free enterprise system, and will stand up to the deficit spenders in both parties, promote affordable health care and a sustainable environment, and support a “peace through strength” foreign policy 

 

9TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT 

INCUMBENT – BILL KEATING Democrat 

  • Bill Keating is a senior member of the House, sitting on both the Foreign Affairs and Armed Services Committees. He currently serves as Chairman of the Europe, Eurasia, Energy and Environment subcommittee of the House Foreign Affairs Committee. He also sits on the Foreign Affairs subcommittee on the Middle East, North Africa, and International Terrorism as well as the Armed Services subcommittees for Strategic Forces and Intelligence and Emerging Threats and Capabilities.  

HELEN BRADY Republican 

  • Helen Brady has a deep-rooted interest in high-quality education and is on the steering committee for Women for UMASS, a network of alumni that help raise funds to promote the advancement of campus programs that provide access, support, and opportunity that positively impact UMass Amherst women. She has also served on the Advisory Board for the USO Massachusetts Chapter. 

 

STATE SENATOR: PLYMOUTH & BARNSTABLE DISTRICT 

INCUMBENT – SUSAN MORAN Democrat 

  • Susan Moran is an accomplished attorney, small business owner, mediator, and former addictions counselor whose steady progression in government has seen her working tirelessly to represent her constituents and legislating effectively at the local, county, and regional levels of Government – she is currently the Senator from Plymouth and Barnstable. To listen to our Sunday Journal segment with Susan Moran, click here.

JAY McMAHON Republican 

  • Jay McMahon is a lifelong resident of Cape Cod with more than 30 years of combined legal, law enforcement, and military experience. Throughout his career, McMahon has been a highly successful trial attorney having litigated cases at every level in Massachusetts Court system, as well as within the Federal system. His small business is located in Buzzards Bay and employs several area residents. Additionally, McMahon had served in law enforcement during the 1970’s, and has over 12 years of corporate management experience. To listen to our Sunday Journal segment with Jay McMahon, click here.

 

STATE REPRESENTATIVE: FIRST BARNSTABLE DISTRICT 

INCUMBENT – TIM WHELAN Republican 

  • Tim Whelan is a ranking member of Joint Committee on Public Service; a member of the Joint Committee on Higher Education and is a recognized leader in issues combating proliferation of the dangerous synthetic opioids, Fentanyl and Carfentani. As a bipartisan problem solver, working across the aisle to further the needs and concerns of local residents and municipalities, he maintains a close working relationship with the Baker-Polito administration to help insure Cape Cod has a seat at the table at the highest levels of state policy making. 

JOSH MASON – Democrat 

  • In 2016, Josh Mason challenged the First Barnstable District State Rep incumbent to serve his community responsibly, transparently, and effectively as State Representative. He came up short in the primary race and re-directed his efforts to expanding his newfound experience to other areas in the community. Josh was appointed to the Dennis Affordable Housing Trust, the Dennis Planning Board, and voted in to represent the Town of Dennis on the Barnstable HOME Consortium. He currently serves as the Chairman of the Dennis Democratic Town Committee. 

 

STATE REPRESENTATIVE: SECOND BARNSTABLE DISTRICT 

INCUMBENT – WILL CROCKER, JR. Republican 

  • Will Crocker was first elected to the Massachusetts House of Representatives in 2016.  He serves as the ranking member of the Committee on Mental Health, Substance Use, and Recovery; a member of the Joint Committee on Housing and the Joint Committee on Labor and Workforce Development.  Will is a true “Cape Codder.” The Crockers settled in the Town of Barnstable with the first families in the 1600s.  Will was born in Hyannis and raised in West Barnstable.  He graduated from Barnstable High School in 1975 and attended Cape Cod Community College, subsequently graduating from the University of Maine in 1980.  To listen to our Sunday Journal segment with Will Crocker, click here.

KIP DIGGS Democratic 

  • Kip Diggs is a small business owner, former professional boxer, and third-generation Cape Cod resident who is running for State Representative to fight for Barnstable and Yarmouth. A proud father, he wants to make sure our community remains a great place for the next generation to live and raise a family. To listen to our Sunday Journal segment with Kip Diggs, click here.

MICHAEL LUIS MECENAS Independent 

  • Michael Mecenas was born in Rio de Janeiro Brazil. He came to the US at age 21, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology, Summa Cum Laude, and a Master’s degree in Human Services (MSW) and holds credentials as a Certified Nursing Assistant, Medical Assistant, LPN, EMT and as an Addiction Counselor. Michael has lived in Hyannis since 1999 and became a proud American citizen in 2012.  

 

STATE REPRESENTATIVE: FIFTH BARNSTABLE DISTRICT 

JAMES DEVER Democrat 

  • Having served as a member of the Sandwich School Committee, Jim Dever had a front-row seat on how crucial the role local aid plays in a town’s ability to provide essential services to their citizens. As the middle class faces more and more demands upon its resources, he feels it is imperative that those elected to represent our interests devote their time and energy focusing on providing the resources necessary for schools, first responders, seniors, and veterans. To listen to our Sunday Journal segment with Jim Dever, click here.

STEVEN XIARHOS Republican 

  • Steve Xiarhos supports the men and women of our American Armed Forces, first responders, veterans and military families of all wars and conflicts, especially post 9/11. He serves on the Board of Directors of the Massachusetts Iraq and Afghanistan Fallen Heroes Memorial Fund and the Massachusetts Military Support Foundation, and is a volunteer for the Wounded Warrior Project Cape Cod Soldier Ride. During his 40-year career with the Yarmouth Police Department, he was promoted to the ranks of Detective, School Resource Officer, Patrol Sergeant, Lieutenant, Patrol Force Commander, Detective Division Commander, and eventually Deputy Chief of Police. He retired from the police department on Dec. 8, 2019. To listen to our Sunday Journal segment with Steven Xiarhos, click here.

 

BARNSTABLE COUNTY COMMISSIONER (PICK 2) 

INCUMBENT – RONALD R. BEATY, JR. Republican 

  • Ron Beaty has served as Barnstable County Commissioner since 2017. He prides himself as a candid and transparent individual who strives to continue to work for the voters, taxpayers and citizens of Cape Cod and Massachusetts. Often considered a controversial figure, he encourages others to speak their minds, as he does, without concern for political correctness.   

MARK FOREST Democrat 

  • Mark Forest is figuring out creative and affordable ways to address the challenges on the Cape, given that most Cape Codders live on fixed incomes, or paycheck to paycheck.  He knows how to listen, how to build consensus, and pull people together from different segments of the community to get things done. He is a former town manager on Cape Cod, an aide to two Congressmen and a teacher. 

SHEILA LYONS Democrat 

  • Sheila Lyons, of Wellfleet, served two terms as a county commissioner from 2008 to 2016, as well as two terms on the Barnstable County Assembly of Delegates representing Wellfleet. Lyons believes it is imperative for the county, as it manages the COVID-19 crisis, to maintain focus on priority issues such as the environment, climate change, erosion, public health systems, homelessness and addiction. 

ABRAHAM KASPARIAN, JR. Independent Unifying Thinking 

  • Abraham Kasparian Jr., of Yarmouth Port, is seeking one of two open seats on the three-member board. Kasparian, a former real estate broker who now works as a driver for an auto parts company, is running under the political designation of “Independent Unifying Thinking.” In late March, he submitted more than the required 500 certified signatures needed to have his name placed on the ballot to the secretary of state’s office. He was elected commissioner in Hampden County in Western Massachusetts in the late 1990s and served on the Yarmouth Finance Committee and Capital Budget Committee from 2001 to 2004. 

 

UNOPPOSED 

STATE SENATOR: CAPE & ISLANDS DISTRICT 

INCUMBENT – JULIAN CYR Democrat 

  • Julian Cyr serves in the Massachusetts Senate representing Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard, and Nantucket. First elected to the State Senate on Nov. 8, 2016, Julian is now serving in his second term and is the youngest senator in the 40-member body. He is the Senate Assistant Majority Whip, Chair of the Joint Committee on Mental Health, Substance Use and Recovery, and serves on committees with oversight of health care policy, public health, municipalities and regional government, and education.  

 

STATE REPRESENTATIVE: THIRD BARNSTABLE DISTRICT 

INCUMBENT – DAVID VIEIRA Republican 

  • David Vieira is the current member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives for the 3rd Barnstable district. Vieira is also a Falmouth town meeting member and has been Moderator of that body since 1998. Born in Teaticket, Massachusetts, he graduated from Falmouth High School and then studied at American University. He attended Massachusetts American Legion Boys State and was elected to represent Massachusetts as a Senator at American Legion Boys Nation. He later earned an MPA degree from Suffolk University. David is an Eagle Scout from Troop 42 out of East Falmouth. 

 

STATE REPRESENTATIVE: FOURTH BARNSTABLE DISTRICT 

INCUMBENT – SARAH PEAKE Democrat 

  • Sarah Peake is currently serving her sixth term representing the 4th Barnstable District on Cape Cod. In 2007, Peake was elected to the Massachusetts House of Representatives. In 2015, she was named Third Division Floor Leader, a member of the Speaker’s team who serves a resource to other members for guidance and discussion on legislation priorities and concerns. She also currently serves as the Chair of the RTA caucus and helped to create the rural caucus.  

 

STATE REPRESENTATIVE: BARNSTABLE, DUKES & NANTUCKET DISTRICT 

INCUMBENT – DYLAN FERNANDES Democrat 

  • A lifelong Cape & Islands native, Dylan Fernandes understands the challenges facing this unique district. He is a strong advocate for sustainable workforce housing. As a millennial impacted by climate change, he has been unwavering in efforts to combat global warming and promote environmental stewardship. Diagnosed with a rare disease in his early 20s, he has lived the perils of the healthcare system and is a firm believer in universal affordable and accessible care. As the son of two small business owners in Falmouth, Fernandes recognizes that local entrepreneurs and artists are what make the Cape and Islands thrive.  
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