Politics & Government

Manning Finishes Third, Calls Effort A+

Mary-Ellen Manning finished third in Thursday's Democratic Party primary for the Second Essex District seat in the state Senate.

Mary-Ellen Manning, who served on the Governor’s Council for 12 years, said she gave an “A+” effort after losing in the race for the 2nd Essex District seat in the state Senate.

She finished third in Thursday’s Democratic Party primary, behind winner Joan Lovely and John Slattery.

Edward Carroll was fourth.

Find out what's happening in Salemwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The district includes Danvers, plus Beverly, Peabody, Salem and Topsfield.

“I couldn’t feel any better even if we did win,” Manning told a room full of supporters at her campaign headquarters in Peabody Square on Thursday night.

Find out what's happening in Salemwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Manning stepped above her supporters to speak just after 8:30 p.m., announcing that she was not going to win.

Manning, of Peabody, said she was “honored and humbled” to serve as a Governor’s Councilor from the Fifth District for 12 years. She also recognized several key supporters who helped on her campaign.

“I really wanted the campaign to go on forever,” she said.

Later, in an interview with Patch, she said she’s not sure what is next for her life in politics.

“I never planned on being in politics for the rest of my life,” she said.

Supporters, even after Manning conceded, remained upbeat at her headquarters as they ate pizza for dinner.

“When you’ve given an A+ effort you are happy with the results,” she said.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here