Former Gov. Weld Backs Gomez In U.S. Senate Race

GOP U.S. Senate hopeful Gabriel Gomez has won the backing of a top Republican in Massachusetts — former Gov. William Weld.

On Monday, Weld called Gomez "exactly the new American leader that this state needs in the Senate."

Weld also said the Cohasset businessman and former Navy SEAL has what he called "a unique set of experiences and skills that will bring an outsider's perspective to Washington."

Gomez is facing off against state Rep. Daniel Winslow and former U.S. attorney Michael Sullivan in the GOP primary.

Also Monday, a new poll found Gomez leading his challengers Sullivan and Winslow.

The survey, from the Western New England University Polling Institute, found Gomez getting support from 33 percent of likely Republican voters, with 27 percent backing Sullivan and 9 percent backing Winslow.

The poll's small leaning-Republican sample, however (128 voters), means it has a margin of error of plus or minus 9 percentage points.

Congressmen Edward Markey and Stephen Lynch are facing off against each other in the Democratic primary.

Primary Day is April 30. The special Senate election in June 25.

With reporting by The Associated Press and the WBUR Newsroom