Former North Andover School Leader Withdraws from House Race

Zora Warren exits 18th Essex contest, leaving Andover Democrat and Republican as remaining candidates

Apr. 20, 2026 at 9:20am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A serene, cinematic painting of a lone political campaign sign on a deserted street corner, the sign's message obscured by warm, dramatic lighting and deep shadows, conveying a sense of quiet contemplation about the shifting political landscape.The withdrawal of a former school leader from a closely watched state House race leaves the contest with just two remaining candidates, setting the stage for a potentially tight political battle.Lawrence Today

Zora Warren, a former member of the North Andover School Committee, has withdrawn from the race for the 18th Essex state representative seat covering North Andover, Andover, Boxford, and Tewksbury. Her exit leaves Andover Democrat Connor Murray and Republican Christopher Shepley as the remaining declared candidates in what's expected to be a closely watched contest.

Why it matters

Warren's withdrawal from the race leaves the 18th Essex contest with just two remaining candidates, setting up a potential tight race between the Democrat and Republican nominees. The seat covers several key towns in the region, making it an important battleground in the upcoming state legislative elections.

The details

Zora Warren, a former member of the North Andover School Committee, has dropped out of the race for the 18th Essex state representative seat. The 18th Essex district covers the towns of North Andover, Andover, Boxford, and Tewksbury. Warren's exit leaves Andover Democrat Connor Murray and Republican Christopher Shepley as the remaining declared candidates in the race.

  • Zora Warren withdrew from the 18th Essex House race on April 20, 2026.

The players

Zora Warren

A former member of the North Andover School Committee who previously entered the race for the 18th Essex state representative seat.

Connor Murray

The Andover Democrat who is now one of the remaining candidates in the 18th Essex House race.

Christopher Shepley

The Republican candidate who is now one of the remaining candidates in the 18th Essex House race.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The race for the 18th Essex state representative seat is expected to be closely watched, with the remaining candidates, Connor Murray and Christopher Shepley, competing for the open position.

The takeaway

Zora Warren's withdrawal from the 18th Essex House race leaves just two candidates, a Democrat and a Republican, vying for the seat covering several key towns in the region. This sets up a potentially tight contest in the upcoming state legislative elections.