A look at the incumbents who lost in this year's Mass. state primary

Several Massachusetts office-holders lost their reelection bids at the primary stage Tuesday, an unusual trend in a state where incumbents typically enjoy major advantages.

The Associated Press called a pair of state representative races in favor of challengers, naming Democrat Tara Hong of Lowell the victor over five-term state Rep. Rady Mom and Republican John Gaskey of Carver successful in his bid to unseat 11-term state Rep. Susan Williams Gifford.

Another influential House Democrat is in an incredibly close race. State Rep. Marjorie Decker led Labor organizer Evan MacKay by just 40 votes as of Wednesday afternoon following an election night that saw her consistently trailing her opponent as the precincts reported. MacKay had declared victory over Decker after a campaign that centered criticism of Beacon Hill's culture, though the AP had not called the race. The narrow margin might prompt a recount.

And in the Governor's Council, 25-year veteran Marilyn Petitto Devaney lost her reelection bid to public defender Mara Dolan.

Voters on Tuesday also picked John Deaton as the Republican nominee to face U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren and effectively filled several open seats in the Legislature where no major-party opponent looms in November.

Continuing a long-running trend, most voters did not have any choices to make Tuesday. Only 26 of 160 House districts and six of 40 Senate districts saw a contested primary in either major political party, even though all 200 districts are up for reelection every two years, allowing most incumbents to sleepwalk into reelection.

Some Democrats who did not have primary opponents will face Republicans in November, though even taking that into account, a majority of districts still have no competition.