| Newton MA News and Politics BlogFollowing a long day and night of counting previously uncounted ballots in Wellesley, Newton, and Franklin, AP has declared Jake Auchincloss the winner of the Democratic primary for the Fourth Congressional District. The final count for the top three in the race is:

Auchincloss: 34,971

Mermell: 32,938

Grossman: 28,311

Jake posted a victory statement on a Twitter thread. Here it is:

In the depths of another crisis, when America had just entered WWII, a poor Jewish kid walked into a Marine recruiting office. That kid was my grandfather. America saw potential in him and sent him to college. It changed his life, and mine. I joined this race to help make that story of opportunity a reality for this generation of Americans. And tonight, we’ve taken a step forward. I’m honored that the people of #MA04 have chosen me as the Democratic nominee for Congress. We won 25 of the 34 cities and towns across the district, a testament to the strong, full-district campaign we built.

My deepest gratitude goes out to the voters who placed their confidence in my capacity to drive progress — and to the volunteers and supporters who shared our message across their cities and towns. I’d also like to thank my fellow candidates. These talented, hardworking individuals campaigned during unprecedented times with passion and purpose. In doing so, they elevated the stories of working families in need, placed a spotlight on injustices that must be resolved, and crafted solutions that can help fix today’s crises. I hope to partner with them for years to come. I’d like to especially thank Jesse Mermell. This race was close, and I’m proud to have run alongside her.

To my family, most especially my wife, Michelle, and my son, Teddy: it is a joy to share this journey with you. I am indebted to you for your patience and support during a difficult year. I love you.

Though this is a moment of celebration, our campaign is not over. Let’s unite now, as Democrats, to win on November 3rd — both here and across the nation. We must defeat the Republican nominee, a Trump Republican.We must rally behind Joe Biden and Kamala Harris to defeat the Trump agenda and get to work rebuilding this country: its institutions, its confidence, and its commitment to justice. That work starts here at home. There’s much to be done across our district, and it should begin by focusing on an inclusive and equitable economic recovery for all of the Massachusetts Fourth. We must leave no one behind.