NOTES BETWEEN PRINTED EDITIONS
DEMOCRAT Connor Murray Only Candidate to Qualify for Ballot in 18th Essex District Race
Andover, MA — Connor Murray is officially the only candidate for State Representative in Massachusetts’ 18th Essex District to successfully submit the number of signatures required to qualify for the ballot this fall.
While noting that the outcome of the race is by no means guaranteed until the election in November, Murray said the accomplishment reflects the strength of the grassroots campaign he has been running since late last year.
“Nothing is set in stone until the final vote is counted,” Murray said in a video posted on social media. “Whether you already planned to cast your ballot for me, you supported one of the other candidates, or you are still undecided, I am going to put in the work to earn your vote on Election Day.”
Murray encouraged residents to participate in the democratic process by voting in the upcoming elections and strongly emphasized that his campaign will continue its active outreach efforts throughout the district, stating “I made a promise to be present across the entire district, both as a candidate and, hopefully, as your next State Representative. I intend to keep that promise.”
Since launching his campaign, Murray has focused on maintaining a visible presence in every community across the 18th Essex District and has pledged to remain accessible and responsive to residents as State Representative.
In a speech to a room of supporters, party leaders, and candidates across the state at the Massachusetts Democratic Convention on Saturday, he said “If we want to protect progress, we have to be present in our communities long before and long after Election Day.”
The only other remaining candidate in the race, Christopher Shepley, a Republican first-term Andover School Committee member, has offered no public comment regarding his inability to qualify for the ballot. Zora Warren, a Democrat from North Andover, withdrew from the race in April.
The Democratic primary will be held on September 1st, 2026, and the general election will be held on November 3rd, 2026. Go to www.murray4ma.com to learn more about Connor Murray and his priorities for the 18th Essex District.
