Special election candidates set for Worcester and Hampshire state Senate seat

The final matchup for a special election to fill the vacant Worcester and Hampshire state Senate seat as been set following Tuesday's primary.

State Rep. Jonathan Zlotnik, a Gardner Democrat, ran unopposed will represent his party in the general election on Nov. 7.

Peter Durant of Spencer, was chosen as the Republican Party's nominee after beating out Bruce Chester in the primary, according to unofficial results reported by the Worcester Telegram & Gazette.

Former state Sen. Anne Gobi left the seat after she was picked by Gov. Maura Healey as the state director of rural affairs, triggering the special election.

Both Zlotnik and Durant are current members of the state House of Representatives. A win by either candidate in November would require them to vacate their 2nd Worcester or 6th Worcester seat, respectively, in order to assume the Senate seat. The House would then decide if and when to call for special elections to fill the vacant seats.