PHOTO BY SPENSER HASAK
Thomas Walsh celebrates his victory in the Peabody special election on Tuesday night.
BY GAYLA CAWLEY
PEABODY — Thomas Walsh is headed back to the state Legislature after winning Tuesday night’s special election.
Unofficial city results gave Walsh 7,138 votes to 4,644 votes for Republican Stephanie Peach.
“I’m excited. I thought it was important to have someone who could step in immediately,” Walsh said, citing his experience in elected office. I have relationships that I feel will be beneficial to the city of Peabody.”
Walsh, a Democrat, defeated Peach who conceded before final vote tallies.
“I spoke with Tom Walsh and offered him my congratulations as well,” said Peach.
Peach is the former legislative aide to Leah Cole, who vacated her seat as 12th Essex representative in September to focus on her nursing career.
Walsh, a lifelong Peabody resident, is currently serving his second consecutive term with the Peabody City Council as a Councilor-at-Large, a position he was elected to in 2013. He was initially elected to the City Council in 1983 and served two terms in his first phase as a Councilor-at-Large.
Walsh was elected to the 12th Essex District seat in 1986, serving four terms. He was elected to the Peabody School Committee in 1997 and served one term.
Walsh said he hopes to be appointed to the Legislature’s Transportation Committee. He cited the opioid crisis as an ongoing issue he will focus on.
Peach, a Peabody native, campaigned against tax increases and has cited her budget experience as something the city needs in a representative.
Walsh was joined by Sen. Ed Markey, Attorney General Maura Healey, Mayor Ted Bettencourt, Essex District Attorney Jonathan Blodgett and city councilors as he campaigned last weekend.
Unenrolled candidate Christopher Gallagher was also on Tuesday’s ballot. A lifelong Peabody resident, he has served in appointed positions such as constable, notary and a justice of the peace. He currently works as a regional development manager. He received 576 votes.
Gayla Cawley can be reached at [email protected].