Galvin and Goldberg cruise to easy victories in state secretary and treasurer's races

William Galvin and Deborah Goldberg both sailed to reelection victories Tuesday night in their respective races for secretary of the commonwealth and state treasurer, according to The Associated Press.

Galvin, a longtime fixture on Beacon Hill, easily beat long-shot Republican challenger Rayla Campbell, of Whitman, winning his eighth term as secretary.

The 72-year-old Brighton native has served in the post for nearly 28 years. When he's sworn into office in January, Galvin will become the longest-serving state secretary, eclipsing the record set by Frederic Cook, the last Republican to hold the same office. Cook served from 1921-1949.

For many years, Galvin, who is often described by State House observers as an "old school" politician, faced little opposition. But in 2018, as well as this past September, he faced challenges by younger, more progressive candidates for the Democratic nomination. In both cases, Galvin beat back his intra-party competitors by comfortable margins, including defeating Boston NAACP chapter President Tanisha Sullivan by 40 percentage points this year.

As secretary, Galvin oversees elections in the state and is the chief record-keeping officer. The role also regulates securities and registers corporations.

Fellow incumbent state Treasurer Deborah Goldberg, of Brookline, easily won her third four-year term, batting back a long-shot challenge from Libertarian candidate Cristina Crawford, of Sherborn.

For the first time in decades, the state Republican Party failed to nominate a candidate to run for treasurer.

Over the past half century, Republicans have not fared well in statewide elections beyond the governor's office. However, the party captured the treasurer's office for eight years, from 1991-1999, when Joe Malone beat Galvin in 1990.

The 68-year-old Goldberg has served in the role since beating Republican Mike Heffernan in 2014. Heffernan currently serves as administration and finance secretary in the Baker-Polito administration.

As treasurer, Goldberg oversees the state's cash and debt management. She also chairs the Massachusetts School Building Authority, the Pension Reserves Investment Management Board, the State Retirement Board and the Massachusetts State Lottery.

Both Galvin and Goldberg will be sworn into their new terms in the first week of January.