Smith Offers Gracious Concession to Armini, Public Officials’ Calls Pour In

Certified results are not expected to be posted until next week, but the unofficial count from the 8th Essex District state representative race has Jenny Armini with a comfortable 320 vote lead over the runner-up, Tristan Smith. Our election coverage with more specific numbers may be seen here. 

Marblehead Beacon caught up with Armini a short time ago. She shared that Smith had called her earlier this morning to concede. In what she dubbed a “gracious concession,” Smith told Armini that he’d enjoyed campaigning alongside her and offered his help with anything she might need for the district. They discussed getting together to compare notes about the three communities, what they saw while campaigning, and what the district needs. “Tristan has a bright, bright future in whatever he chooses to take on,” said Armini, “and I see him as a valuable resource and look forward to partnering with him.”

Governor Charlie Baker also reached out to Armini in a “warm and supportive call,” congratulating her and telling her that he is available as a resource should she need input. “He said he’s looking forward to being my constituent.” The two also discussed their both being “superfans” of Bruce Springsteen, but agreed that the artist should not be charging $5,000 for concert tickets. 

Armini spoke with multiple other public officials who contacted her following her win, including Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Region 1 Administrator Lori Ehrlich, who occupied the state representative seat for 14 years that Armini will now fill. Ehrlich offered Armini words of encouragement. Congressman Seth Moulton, State Senator Brendan Crighton, Lynn City Council President Jay Walsh, Lynn Mayor Jared Nicholson, and State Representatives Dan Cahill and Pete Capano also called Armini with similar sentiments. 

“Everyone has been supportive, enthusiastic, and kind,” said Armini.