Voters in the House district represented for the past two decades by Republican state Representative Brad Hill will choose a new representative on November 30 after the House on Thursday set a special election date ahead of his scheduled departure to the Massachusetts Gaming Commission.
Primaries will be held on November 2. 2, the deadline to submit nomination papers to municipalities is September 21, and the last day to file nomination papers with the secretary of state is September 28. The Fourth Essex District covers the towns of Ipswich, Hamilton, Manchester-by-the-Sea, Rowley, Topsfield, and Wenham.
Jamie Belsito, founder of nonprofit Maternal Mental Health Leadership Alliance, announced last week that she is exploring a bid for the seat. A Topsfield Democrat who challenged Congressman Seth Moulton in the 2020 primary, Belsito said she “expects to make a decision after listening to the district’s voters and elected officials.”
“I’ve never been afraid to take on a big challenge and fight for what I believe in,” Belsito said in a statement. “If I run for office, I will bring that same attitude to Beacon Hill. That means taking care of our district’s families, improving our health care, protecting our coastline and riverways from pollution and climate change, and ensuring every child has access to a high-quality public education.”
Hill, who has served in the House since 1999, was selected last week by Governor Charlie Baker, Attorney General Maura Healey, and Treasurer Deborah Goldberg to serve on the commission. Hill plans to leave the House on September 15.
“It has been my distinct honor and privilege to serve the people of Massachusetts and the 4th Essex District for nearly 25 years,” Hill said in a statement issued last week. “I am deeply grateful to the governor, treasurer, and attorney general for this incredible opportunity to continue supporting the Commonwealth, and am eager to begin this new chapter working alongside my fellow Commissioners.”
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