By Nicole Abrams
Longtime state Rep. Antonio Cabral won an 18th term to represent the 13th Bristol district Tuesday, while Rep. Christopher Hendricks won a fifth term in the 11th Bristol district.
Cabral and Hendricks both ran uncontested. They both received about 97% of the vote, with write-ins their only opposition.
Cabral said in an interview with The Light that he is excited that he will continue to represent the people of New Bedford.
“I’m very thankful to the voters of 13th Bristol and for their continued support,” Cabral said.
Cabral has not run in a contested general election since 2018. Hendricks has never run in a contested general election.
Looking ahead into the upcoming session, Cabral said that he plans to introduce legislation to reform how to share state resources with local communities.
“We should create a fair formula that provides the resources that communities need,” he said.
Cabral, who has held his seat since 1991, told The Light last month that he has fought hard for projects in New Bedford, like the Harborwalk, the Zeiterion, and the New Bedford Whaling Museum expansion.
Cabral, who chairs the Gateway Cities Legislative Caucus, said that he was involved in creating the Housing Development Incentive Program, which helps mid-sized Gateway Cities like New Bedford develop market-rate housing and support economic development.
In his next term as a representative, Cabral plans to continue putting in the work for New Bedford and the state as a whole.
“What’s important for us in New Bedford and the 13th Bristol is also important for Massachusetts,” he said.
Cabral said there is lots of work to be done.
”I’m going to roll up my sleeves, and go and fight for the things that are important for us,” Cabral said.
Hendricks has represented the 11th Bristol District since January 2019.
“I think the fact that I haven’t had an opponent is a testament to the hard work that I’ve been doing,” Hendricks said. “I couldn’t be more happy with the turnout yesterday.”
On energy affordability, Hendricks said he hoped for a compromise on the energy bills currently in a joint House-Senate conference committee.
The House bill aims to cut $1 billion from Mass Save, a statewide energy efficiency initiative. The Senate bill aims to preserve the state’s energy efficiency strategy, while cutting the Gas System Enhancement Program, which accelerates the replacement of leaking gas infrastructure.
Moving forward, Hendricks hopes the Legislature is able to address energy affordability in the state.
“I’m hoping that we can have a more long-term discussion on affordability, particularly with energy, moving forward,” he said.
When Hendricks first ran, he made a promise to stand up for public education and workers’ rights.
One of the first things he did after elected was vote for the Student Opportunity Act. Since taking office, he has been a strong supporter of unions, such as the National Grid, Ryder Trucking and St. Luke’s Hospital.
This article originally appeared in The New Bedford Light.
