(This story was updated to accurately reflect the most current information.)
TAUNTON — Taunton City Councilor Kelly Dooner has won the 3rd Bristol and Plymouth District State Senate seat — turning the seat Republican for the first time in decades.
“Thank you to the 3rd Bristol and Plymouth District. First woman to ever hold this seat. I promise I will give you everything I have and do everything I can to make sure you have the representation you deserve on Beacon Hill! We did it, we did it!,” said Dooner at 12:30 a.m. Wednesday morning on her campaign page .
The seat has been held for more than 30 years by Taunton Democrat Marc Pacheco, who did not seek reelection. Dooner defeated Democrat and long-time Raynham Selectman Joe Pacheco (no relation to Marc Pacheco) in a tight race.
“While it’s not the outcome I had hoped for, I am honored to have had the chance to run and am proud that the ideas and goals our campaign carried were meaningful to many,” said Pacheco in his concession statement on his social media page .