Around New England

Pro-Life Conservative Unseats Moderate Republican State Representative; Victory Likely In November

September 5, 2024

A pro-life conservative unseated an incumbent Republican state representative in Massachusetts this week.

Carver planning board member and Coast Guard Veteran John Gaskey defeated state representative Susan Gifford (R-Wareham) in the Second Plymouth District Republican primary on Tuesday, September 3. No Democrat is on the ballot in the November general election, meaning Gaskey will most likely become a state representative next year.

Gaskey led Gifford 59 percent to 41 percent with 95 percent of the vote counted, according to The New York Times; Gaskey had the backing of two prominent former state representatives:  Jim Lyons (R-Andover) and Geoff Diehl (R-Whitman).

Here is how a Wareham Week article describes Gaskey:

“I consider myself a 2A absolutist, [and] a firm believer in civil rights, the constitutional civil rights that were guaranteed to us through the federal constitution,” said Gaskey. He also said he’s “staunchly pro-life,” and believes sincerely in the right to life.

 

Conversely, Gifford has voted to provide state funding to Planned Parenthood, the largest abortion provider in America, force health insurers to cover abortion without any cost sharing, and expand late-term abortion legality on the grounds of “severe” fetal anomalies — something which has been interpreted in other states to include unborn babies with Down Syndrome.

Gaskey sent out an email message on Wednesday afternoon declaring victory.

Here is what he wrote:

I can’t begin to express my gratitude for the support you showed for me yesterday. When the ballots were counted, I received 59 percent of the total vote and the Republican nomination for the State House. Although I don’t have an opponent in November, I will still be working for every vote, and I look forward to doing your work on Beacon Hill in the State Legislature after November.

Over these past months of campaigning, you’ve made very clear to me what that work is. We have to get the migrant crisis under control. This situation has strapped our budget, compromised our safety, and only served to benefit the human trafficking cartels.

You’ve also made clear to me that we need to protect our children. We cannot accept the continued indoctrination of youth in LGBTQ propaganda and other forms of “sex education” that are completely inappropriate for our young people. It’s time to let kids be kids again.

Ultimately, you’ve told me that you expect a fighter on Beacon Hill. As Republicans, we know the reality of living in a state with a Democratic supermajority. But I got in this race because I believe that Republicans still have a choice — to stand up to the madness and say NO, or just “go along to get along.” I’m here because I want to be a voice that starts saying “NO”, and so many of you expressed that to me along the campaign trail.

As Republicans and as America First conservatives, we have a positive vision for Massachusetts. We want safe streets, sane schools, and stable budgets — for all.

We believe everyone, whether they agree with us or not, will find prosperity if our ideas can take root. We just need people who will stand up and communicate that message, clearly and unapologetically. I’m ready to be that person and I thank you for the opportunity.

Something I also believe in is an America where we can disagree without being disagreeable. There were serious policy differences between myself and my opponent, Susan Gifford, which I’ve shared with you in this space. But there’s also respect for Susan’s service to the district. Yes, our disagreements were real, and they were important — but we need to get back to an America where we can have those disagreements without making everything so personal. I thank Susan for her service to the people of 2nd Plymouth.

In the United States, the people are sovereign. You spoke yesterday. I heard your message. And I will continue to need your help and support as we go to Beacon Hill and fight for our beloved Commonwealth.

The Second Plymouth District includes: Carver; Precincts 3, 6, and 7A, of Middleborough; and Wareham.

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