Angelides defeats Villamaino in 2nd Hampden Republican Primary, 22News projects

LONGMEADOW, Mass. (WWLP) - Longmeadow Select Board Member Marie Angelides will be the Republican candidate for the State House of Representatives in the 2nd Hampden District. 22News is projecting that Angelides will defeat former East Longmeadow Selectman Enrico “Jack” Villamaino.

With 42% of precincts reporting, Angelides was defeating Villamaino 93% to 7%.

Angelides defeated Villamaino to become the party’s nominee back in 2010, but she narrowly lost the general election by incumbent Rep. Brian Ashe (D-Longmeadow).

Villamaino’s candidacy this year was overshadowed by a voter fraud scandal in his hometown, where hundreds of people had their party affiliations changed and absentee ballots requested without their knowledge. Villamaino has not been named as a suspect, but he has been the name at the center of the scandal. He resigned his seat from the Board of Selectman, but did not withdraw from the race.

“I’m very excited and very appreciative that people came out to vote," Angelides said, "because a lot of people thought the primary was over, and so coming out and voting, and showing their support- I really appreciate that,” said Angelides, who also thanked East Longmeadow workers for their response to the scandal and working to make the election fair.

She told 22News that Villamaino did not call to congratulate her back in 2010 when she won the nomination, and she is not expecting a congratulatory call now.

With Thursday night’s result, Angelides will face Ashe again in the general election on November 6. The 2nd Hampden District includes all of the towns of Longmeadow, Hampden, and Monson, and most of East Longmeadow.