The Melrose Messenger

Keeping Melrosians Informed Since 2024

Three Democrats Contend for Open State Senate Seat

By Ellen Putnam

map

Map of 5th Middlesex District

Source: US Census Bureau, 2018 State Legislative District Reference Maps

Melrose voters will see a competitive race in the Democratic primary election for state senator on Tuesday, September 1st.

This spring Jason Lewis, Melrose’s longtime state senator, announced his retirement, leaving the 5th Middlesex state senate seat, which includes Melrose, Malden, Wakefield, Stoneham, Reading, and part of Winchester, open.

Melrose’s current state representative, Kate Lipper-Garabedian, who has served for three terms, promptly announced that she planned to run for the seat. Soon after, two current Malden city councilors - Carey McDonald and Ryan O’Malley - joined the race as well. No Republican or unenrolled candidates have submitted the signatures needed to qualify for the ballot, so the Democrat who wins the primary election will be uncontested in the general election in November.

Lipper-Garabedian is endorsed by a number of prominent figures in Melrose politics, including Mayor Jen Grigoraitis, nine Melrose city councilors, and five Melrose School Committee members. She is also endorsed by current state senator Jason Lewis as well as four state representatives whose districts overlap with the 5th Middlesex State Senate district.

McDonald is endorsed by Malden Mayor Gary Christenson. And each of the three candidates has earned endorsements from an assortment of local, state, and national organizations that represent a range of causes. (You can find the full list of each candidate's endorsements on their websites: Kate Lipper-Garabedian - Carey McDonald - Ryan O'Malley)

We spoke with each of the candidates about their views on what they see as the most important issues facing our district and state, including affordability, responding to actions by the federal government, funding local governments and school districts, and transparency in the legislature.

Read our interviews with each candidate below.

lipper garabedian

Kate Lipper-Garabedian

“What we’re accomplishing in the legislature gives me such pride,” current state representative Kate Lipper-Garabedian said, “working hand-in-hand with municipal leaders, neighbors, and friends across the district. The work we’ve done has made a difference in people’s lives. But right now we’re dealing with headwinds from the federal government, and we need to continue to make Massachusetts more affordable and inclusive. We have a lot of work to do, and we need someone who will serve with qualifications and a proven track record to be our next state senator - and I think that’s me.”

Read Our Profile Here

mcdonald

Carey McDonald

“This is a moment when a lot of things we love about our communities feel really at risk,” said current Malden City Councilor Carey McDonald. “An open seat is a big deal, and we want to make sure that our next state senator is going to fight for the things that matter most to our communities, that they represent our values and understand the urgent challenges that we have, and that they are not afraid to tackle the big problems that are holding us back.”

Read Our Profile Here

omalley


Ryan O’Malley

“In my time as a municipal public official,” said current Malden City Councilor Ryan O’Malley, “I have seen the impact of dwindling state aid on our communities, which forces us to hold divisive override votes. I don’t think it’s fair that zip codes dictate the quality of education in a state like Massachusetts, where the state constitution guarantees a quality public education. The state needs to do more.”

Read Our Profile Here

Posted June 24th, 2026