Howard wins state Senate primary race over Elliott

Unofficial results show Howard defeating Elliott in 1st Middlesex District Democratic primary

Published on Feb. 3, 2026

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State Rep. Vanna Howard has won the Democratic Primary state Senate election over state Rep. Rodney Elliott, 3,326-2,369, on Tuesday in the 1st Middlesex District, according to unofficial vote tallies recorded by town officials in the five-town district of Lowell, Dracut, Dunstable, Pepperell and Tyngsborough.

Why it matters

This special election is being held to fill the state Senate seat left vacant by the death of Sen. Edward Kennedy last year. The winner of the Democratic primary will face off against Republican Sam Meas in the general election on March 3.

The details

While the vote totals are unofficial, they are not expected to change significantly as officials double-check and certify the results. Howard received the most votes in Lowell, Pepperell, and Tyngsborough, while Elliott won in Dracut and Dunstable.

  • The Democratic primary election was held on Tuesday, February 4, 2026.
  • The general election is scheduled for March 3, 2026.

The players

Vanna Howard

State Representative who won the Democratic primary election for the 1st Middlesex District state Senate seat.

Rodney Elliott

State Representative who lost to Vanna Howard in the Democratic primary election for the 1st Middlesex District state Senate seat.

Sam Meas

Republican candidate who mounted a write-in campaign and earned the 300 votes needed to be eligible for the March 3 general election ballot.

Edward Kennedy

Former state Senator whose death last year left the 1st Middlesex District seat vacant, prompting this special election.

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What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This race highlights the ongoing political dynamics in the 1st Middlesex District, as a long-serving state Senator's seat changes hands. The general election between the Democratic and Republican nominees will be an important test of the district's political leanings.