1st Congressional District primary: Neal turns back Whalen’s bid, advances to November

SPRINGFIELD — U.S. Rep. Richie Neal took a significant step closer to a 20th term on Capitol Hill on Tuesday after beating challenger Jeromie Whalen, a teacher who will head back to the classroom at Northampton High School, in the Democratic primary.

Voters chose Neal’s continuity over Whalen’s more progressive vision for the Massachusetts 1st Congressional District, which spans from the Berkshires to the southern portions of central Massachusetts. Preliminary results before midnight showed Neal garnering 53% of the vote, according to the Associated Press. Whalen received 46%.

In his victory speech at about 11 p.m., Neal cited his success in garnering health insurance for millions of Americans, and his eagerness to fight for people’s right to Social Security benefits. He contrasted this with the Trump administration’s slashing of benefits, and said the fight for his party needs to continue in November’s midterm elections.

“Let’s take it to November and reclaim the House of Representatives,” Neal said, drawing applause from his supporters.

In unofficial results, Neal received more than 8,000 votes in his hometown of Springfield, compared to 4,403 for Whalen — a significant difference that helped propel him to victory. 

Whalen was the overwhelming choice in Hampshire County. The South Hadley resident won over nearly 70% of voters in Easthampton, with 2,850 casting ballots for him, and 60% of voters in South Hadley, with 2,558. He also easily won in Worthington, Cummington and Southampton, with more than 60% of the vote in each community. But each of the small communities only drew a few hundred votes.

In Holyoke, Whalen received 56% of the vote, with more than 2,000 votes to Neal’s 1,780.

The loss follows an impassioned effort by Whalen, 39, to unseat the longtime incumbent. With 46% of the vote, Whalen got a little closer than former Holyoke Mayor Alex Morse, who received 41% of the votes in 2020.

Just before 10 p.m., Whalen seemed resigned before official results were in when he addressed a couple hundred people under the LED lighting of the White Lion Brewing Co. in downtown Springfield. The hipster watering hole, filled with a group of young, diverse people, was a stark contrast to Neal’s watch party in the Cedars Banquet Facility at St. Anthony’s Roman Catholic Church.

Despite the bar’s energy and buzz, it quieted down as Whalen served an emotional address that edged on a somber sermon about the current state of American politics. He said despite a loss, the real victory was for a no-name teacher to run without corporate endorsements and still make a dent in the wider community.

“It’s about giving back to the greater good,” Whalen said. “Tomorrow, when I’m back in class, I will look back at this night and at this inflection point in American history, and know that we etched our names into it with courage, conviction and compassion, because we won regardless. No one can ever take this from us.”

“Much love everybody,” were his final words to the room, met with resounding applause. Cheers continued throughout the night for those who pitched in for Whalen’s campaign.

Away from the downtown scene, about 200 people on team Neal were gathered in the banquet hall. A vast majority of those attending were over 50 years old. Supporters were confident in a win, and they got one.

Among them were Berkshire County residents Pauline Banducci of Monterey and Susan Ebitz of Otis. They praised Neal’s work on climate initiatives and success in securing funding for various infrastructure projects and public transportation, including the rebuilding of Union Station in Springfield.

One main complaint voiced by Whalen and his voters has been Neal’s connection to corporate money. While seated at a round, clothed table, the two Neal supporters countered that claim. Both women said money is needed to run effective political campaigns, and that Neal shares funds with other Democratic candidates.

Ebitz also praised Neal’s diplomatic demeanor, even with Trump aides.

“I really admire and respect what Rep. Neal has done for the district,” said Ebitz, adding that as a teacher herself, she admired Whalen and the work he put in.

Among those in the room, where people watched Steve Kornacki give updates on NBC News, were state Sen. John Velis and Holyoke Police Chief Brian Keenan.

“What really impresses me is his ability to bring back federal money,” said Mike Pise, the Chicopee mayor’s chief of staff. He cited $40 million worth of investments at the Westover Air Reserve Base, and millions of dollars for sewer and water work.

Neal will face off against Independents Nadia Milleron and Anthony Celata in the Nov. 3. general election.