Voters decide between Rodney Elliott, Vanna Howard for special state Senate election primary

Lowell-area voters choose Democratic nominee to fill vacant state Senate seat

Published on Feb. 3, 2026

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Voters in the 1st Middlesex District of Massachusetts went to the polls on Tuesday to select the Democratic nominee for a special state Senate election to fill the seat left vacant by the death of Sen. Edward Kennedy. The two candidates on the Democratic ballot were state Reps. Vanna Howard and Rodney Elliott, while Republican Sam Meas mounted a write-in campaign.

Why it matters

This special election is crucial for determining who will represent the 1st Middlesex District, which includes the city of Lowell and several surrounding towns, in the state Senate. The winner of the Democratic primary will be heavily favored to win the general election in March, making this a pivotal race for the district.

The details

Voters in Lowell and the surrounding towns of Dracut, Tyngsboro, Pepperell and Dunstable cast their ballots in the Democratic primary, with low turnout reported at many polling places. Supporters of both Howard and Elliott cited the candidates' community involvement and responsiveness to constituents as reasons for their support. Howard was praised for her work on inclusion in education and healthcare, while Elliott was touted for securing state funding for Lowell and supporting the Cambodian community.

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

The players

Vanna Howard

State Representative for the 17th Middlesex District, running as the Democratic nominee in the special state Senate election.

Rodney Elliott

State Representative for the 16th Middlesex District, running as the Democratic nominee in the special state Senate election.

Sam Meas

Mounting a write-in campaign as the Republican candidate in the special state Senate election.

Edward Kennedy

Former state Senator whose death created the vacancy that this special election is intended to fill.

Niki Tsongas

Former U.S. Representative, for whom Vanna Howard previously worked in her office.

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What they’re saying

“Her journey in life has given her extraordinary insights, which she brings to work every day. She has a vision of inclusion in education and health care, so people don't have to struggle.”

— Hugh McGill, Supporter of Vanna Howard (lowellsun.com)

“She knows struggle, and her winning would mean a lot for communities who feel disenfranchised today.”

— Leonardo Casella, Supporter of Vanna Howard (lowellsun.com)

“He is here for his community when you need him. Me and Rodney have been involved in a lot of activities together in Lowell, and for my home country of Cambodia.”

— Sok Paul Pen, Supporter of Rodney Elliott (lowellsun.com)

What’s next

The winner of the Democratic primary will face off against Republican Sam Meas in the general election on March 3, 2026.

The takeaway

This special election is a crucial test for the 1st Middlesex District, with voters choosing between two experienced state representatives who have deep roots in the local community. The outcome will shape the district's representation in the state Senate for the foreseeable future.