Primary Contests Set For Oct. 10 In Senate Race

Primaries in the special election to fill a central Massachusetts Senate seat will be held on Oct. 10.

Secretary of State William F. Galvin announced the primary date in the 22-community district on Friday morning, a day after the Senate adopted an order scheduling a Nov. 7 special election to fill the seat vacated this month by Anne Gobi.

The Worcester and Hampshire Senate seat will be filled on the same day as city election in Worcester and Gardner. The Senate district includes six precincts in Worcester and all of Gardner.

Candidates will have until Aug. 29 to submit nomination papers to local registrars. Nominations for the race require a minimum of 300 certified signatures, and nomination papers are now available.

Gardner is the home of Democrat Rep. Jonathan Zlotnik, who entered the Senate race last month. Two Republicans have announced runs — Spencer Rep. Peter Durant and Rebekah Etique.

Gobi stepped down to take a newly created rural affairs post in Gov. Maura Healey’s administration. – Michael P. Norton/SHNS | 6/16/23 9:34 AM