Well, the votes are in, and while the outcome wasn’t what I had hoped for, I have absolutely no regrets about putting my name on that ballot.
Running as an Independent for state representative was never going to be the easiest road, and I knew that from the beginning. I didn’t have a party machine, a big campaign team, or an army of volunteers. But what I did have is a belief that Franklin County deserves an independent voice and that people deserve a choice beyond party lines.
Approximately 5,000 people cast their votes for me. That’s 5,000 people who took a chance on something different. I am incredibly grateful for every single one of them. Thank you.
This campaign gave me the opportunity to meet so many amazing people, hear their concerns, share a lot of laughs, and have some really great conversations. It pushed me outside my comfort zone, tested me in ways I didn’t expect, but most of all reminded me just how much I love this community.
I want to publicly congratulate Lora Wondolowski on her victory. I genuinely hope she represents everybody in Franklin County in the 1st Franklin District. Not just the people who voted for her, not just one party — but all of us. Every community deserves to be heard, every constituent deserves a seat at the table, and this district deserves the very best representation possible. I hope she delivers that.
I may not be heading to Beacon Hill, but I don’t consider this a loss. I put myself out there, stood by what I believe in, and gave people another choice. I’m pretty proud of that.
Thank you, Franklin County, for welcoming me, encouraging me, and challenging me. This run honestly restored my faith in humanity — every person I met, every conversation I had made me realize even more how amazing our community is. In today’s world, where we are bombarded by negativity, I found that to not be a reality here in our valley. I’m proud to call this place home.
Amy Lavallee
Whately