Winthrop Official Joseph Boncore Wins Democratic Primary For Suffolk/Middlesex Senate Seat

Winthrop Housing Authority member Joseph Boncore topped a crowded Democratic field in Tuesday's special primary election and is in position to become the next state senator for Revere, Winthrop and parts of Cambridge and Boston.

While the state Democratic Party touted victories for Boncore and two other candidates vying to fill vacancies on Beacon Hill in a press release Tuesday night, the GOP praised its nominee to hold a South Shore seat the party's held for more than 20 years.

Democratic Party Chairman Thomas McGee in a statement congratulated former Hull Selectwoman Joan Meschino, who bested former South Boston Rep. Paul Gannon to be the party's nominee to succeed Weymouth Mayor Robert Hedlund in the Senate.

And Lynn City Councilor Daniel Cahill cruised to an uncontested win in the one-candidate contest to replace former Rep. Robert Fennell, the Democrats said.

"I want to congratulate Joe, Joan and Dan, on their victories tonight," McGee said. "It's important to note that in a sign of continued strength for the Democratic Party, the Republicans won't even field an opponent for Joe and Dan."

Republican voters on the South Shore chose Weymouth Town Council President Patrick O'Connor -- a former Hedlund aide -- to face Meschino in the May 10 special general election, the party said.

"With his proven record as Weymouth's town council president, Patrick O'Connor will be a strong successor to Bob Hedlund in the state senate," state Republican Party Chairman Kirsten Hughes said in a statement.