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Decker Wins Cambridge Democratic Primary Rematch

Decker’s victory ends a repeat photo finish, showing outside PAC cash shaped the race.

Overview

  • Decker led MacKay 4,104 to 3,599 in an unofficial Cambridge Election Commission count reported Wednesday and the Associated Press called the race for Decker.
  • MacKay publicly conceded shortly after the AP call, thanking volunteers and saying the campaign’s organizing work will continue beyond the vote.
  • Decker’s campaign had circulated the 38-signature recount forms on election night but the 505-vote margin and the concession make a recount unlikely.
  • Outside spending and fundraising were decisive factors in the contest, with Progressive Cambridge and other PACs spending roughly $140,000 to support Decker.
  • Decker, first elected in 2012, will return for an eighth term and the result highlights how outside money and incumbency can tip close, low-turnout local primaries.