Bristol County sheriff signs pledge to support ‘free and fair elections’
Sheriff Paul Heroux says he won’t interfere in elections this fall, but he’s worried ICE will.
Deep-pocketed donors flood the ballot-question field with cash
Millions of dollars have already been spent, even on questions with no opposition.
After a ballot question passes in November, what happens next?
Lawmakers have more say over the fate of proposals than voters might realize.
Recount affirms Pacheco win in Bristol 9th Democratic primary
Edward Pacheco maintained a 14-vote lead over his primary opponent and will now face Republican challenger Chester Tam in the Nov. 3 election.
Write-in candidate for state rep, Brendalee Smith, will face Sylvia
With 185 write-in votes, Brendalee Smith won the Republican nomination in the 10th Bristol state House district. She’ll face Rep. Mark Sylvia, Democrat from Fairhaven.
Medeiros petitions for recount in close 9th Bristol primary race
Edward Pacheco is 13 votes ahead of Stephen Medeiros in unofficial totals. The Democratic primary winner will face Republican Chester Tam for the state House seat in November.
Lt. Gov. nominee Oliver quick to jump on Minogue’s team
New Bedford City Councilor Shawn Oliver, the Republican nominee for lieutenant governor, must now forge a relationship with a new running mate.
St. Gelais captures Republican nomination for 8th Bristol race
Jesse St. Gelais sailed past Christopher Thrasher for the GOP nod, and will face Democratic incumbent Steven Ouellette in the general election.
🗳️ Final primary results
■ More coverage
Pacheco inches past Medeiros in Democratic primary for 9th Bristol
Edward Pacheco garners a mere 14 votes more than Stephen Medeiros, who has not decided whether he will ask for a recount.
Tam wins Bristol 9th Republican primary
Both candidates had focused on the cost of living in their campaigns.
Keating wins Democratic nomination for a 9th term in Congress
The incumbent defeated New Bedford activist Craig Swallow in Tuesday’s Democratic primary.
Minogue coasts past Shortsleeve, will face Gov. Healey
“We are going to make history in 63 days,” the Republican nominee says.
Federal election monitors watched New Bedford polls. The monitors were being monitored, too.
Four federal elections observers made their way through different polling locations across New Bedford. Also stationed at the precincts on Election Day: Observers to observe the feds.
U.S. Sen. Ed Markey wins Democratic primary over opponent who called for change
Markey, 80, defeated Seth Moulton, 47, a moderate who had argued for a generational change. Markey had countered that Moulton was out of touch with the state’s voters.
Voter guide to races for governor, Senate, Congress in Sept. 1 primary
The Republican candidates for governor and Democratic candidates for U.S. Senate and the U.S. House 9th District answer questions, courtesy of the Boston Globe.
U.S. Rep. Bill Keating, challenger Craig Swallow clash in radio debate
The Democrats’ arguments grew heated over immigration and money in politics.
Healey pushes affordable energy and higher ed, decries Trump cuts in New Bedford visit
The governor, running for reelection, promoted her record on housing and healthcare and said there “could be” a future for UMass Dartmouth in downtown. She visited The Light’s offices for an exclusive interview.
Prices, Iran war, AI dominate final Markey-Moulton Senate debate
The two Democrats’ answers often returned to the cost of living as they fielded questions about healthcare, immigration, and energy.
Republican candidates for 8th Bristol seat highlight audit, affordability
Christopher Thrasher and Jesse St. Gelais both ran for the seat in 2024 — St. Gelais as an independent — a seat that has been held by Democrats for decades.
Keating’s experience meets Swallow’s call for change in congressional primary
Bill Keating, 73, wants a ninth term in Congress. Challenger Craig Swallow, 40, is a New Bedford activist and a newcomer to electoral politics.
Reform of affordable housing is major focus for Bristol 9th Democratic candidates
Both are reacting to three proposed housing developments in Dartmouth that fall under the state’s affordable housing law.
Cutting the cost of living is a priority for both Bristol 9th Republican candidates
A former city councilor and a political newcomer are campaigning on similar platforms: Lower energy bills and audit the Legislature.
Markey, Moulton trade barbs in second U.S. Senate Democratic primary debate
While the candidates shared positions on immigration and the war in Iran, they also leveled serious allegations against each other.
Trump administration to send election monitors to New Bedford for primary
The DOJ is asking the City of New Bedford to turn over a list of all registered voters (first and last name) and other information by Aug. 8.
‘A constitutional crisis’: Markey seeks another Senate term to fight Trump administration
U.S. Sen. Ed Markey, seeking a third term, says Trump has transformed immigration enforcement into “something profoundly anti-American.”
Bristol County GOP recruiting historic slate of 2026 candidates
At least 14 Republicans have announced statehouse campaigns in the county, the highest number since at least 2012.
How to run for office in 2026
Open seats include Bristol County DA and 9th Bristol state rep.
City Councilor Oliver throws his hat into lieutenant governor race
Shawn Oliver, who joined the GOP in August, is teaming up with Republican gubernatorial candidate Brian Shortsleeve.
