Kristin E. Kassner (born November 22, 1978) is a current member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives for the 2nd Essex District.[1] In 2022 Kassner challenged incumbent Rep. Lenny Mirra. After the initial counting of votes, Kassner lost the election by 10 votes. However, following a hand recount, totals shifted to reflect a one-vote victory for Kassner.[2][3][4][5] Following litigation, appeals, and a review by a special committee of the House of Representatives, Rep. Kassner was sworn in by Governor Maura Healey on Friday, February 3, 2023.[6][7][8]
Kristin Kassner | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives for the 2nd Essex District | |
Incumbent | |
| Assumed office February 3, 2023 | |
| Preceded by | Lenny Mirra |
| Personal details | |
| Born | November 22, 1978 |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Residence | Hamilton, Massachusetts |
| Education |
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Election and recount
editAfter the November 8, 2022, election, incumbent Lenny Mirra was declared the winner of the 2nd Essex District by 10 votes. Kassner petitioned and filed for a hand recount in all six communities in the 2nd Essex District. After the recount, it was determined that Kassner received one more vote than Mirra.[7][8]
Mirra contested the recount, alleging that count irregularities and human error led to an erroneous election tally. Mirra also contested several ballot on the basis that the intent of the voter was not properly ascertained.[6]
After a review of Mirra’s lawsuit, the Essex County Superior Court decided that the jurisdiction of the matter rested with the House of Representatives itself. A special committee investigated Mirra’s claims and in a 2–1 committee vote, the panel recommended that the House seat Rep. Kassner.[8] She was sworn in on February 3, 2023.[6]
References
edit- ^ "Representative Kristin E. Kassner Democrat - 2nd Essex". The 193rd General Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
- ^ Wade, Christian M. (9 January 2023). "Democrats call for swearing-in Kassner". The Daily News of Newburyport. Retrieved 2023-02-17.
- ^ Lisinki, Chris (23 November 2017). "Candidates seeking recounts in 2 state rep. races". www.wbur.org. Retrieved 2023-02-17.
- ^ Yang, Maya (2022-12-11). "Massachusetts recount flips state house election to Democrat by one vote". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 2023-02-17.
- ^ Stout, Matt. "Democrat wins North Shore legislative seat by single vote after recount - The Boston Globe". BostonGlobe.com. Retrieved 2023-02-17.
- ^ a b c "Democrat Kristin Kassner sworn in after 1-vote victory". Boston Herald. 2023-02-03. Retrieved 2023-02-17.
- ^ a b Muldoon, John P. (2023-02-06). "Kassner sworn in as representative for 2nd Essex". Ipswich Local News. Retrieved 2023-02-17.
- ^ a b c "State Rep. Kristin Kassner Finally Sworn-In On One Vote Majority". WBZ NewsRadio 1030. Retrieved 2023-02-17.