Tuesday, October 27, 2026Acton, Massachusetts

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Cataldo, Gentile Midterm Victories

Carmine Gentile holds a sign for himself, accompanied by Garret Whitney, Joyse Isen, Kate Kavanaugh at the Harvey Wheeler Community Center. – Photo by Jennifer Lord Paluzzi

Acton has a new state representative for the Middlesex 14th district, and an incumbent for the 13th Middlesex district.

Democrat Simon Cataldo won in the 14th, a newly created district serving Carlisle, and precincts in Acton, Acton and Chelmsford.

Political newcomer Rod Cleaves, a Chelmsford Republican, lost to Cataldo.

Simon Cataldo speaks to supporters at Nosh after his election victory, Photo by Michael McAteer
Simon Cataldo speaks to supporters at Nosh after his election victory. – Photo by Michael McAteer
Simon and Chessie Cataldo at the election night party. Courtesy photo
Simon and Chessie Cataldo at the election night party. – Courtesy photo

“I am profoundly grateful to the people of the 14th Middlesex District for voting to send me to Beacon Hill as our next State Representative,” said Cataldo. “Rod Cleaves, Vivian Birchall, and Pat Wojtas also have my admiration and gratitude for running earnest, positive, and issue-driven campaigns. It will be an honor to serve the residents of Acton, Carlisle, Chelmsford, and Acton in the State House, and I am eager to begin the work that lies ahead.”

“Of course I’m disappointed to lose this race,” said Cleaves on Wednesday morning. “However, on the bright side I get to go back into retirement and Mr. Cataldo has to commute to Beacon Hill.”

Democrat Carmine Gentile, who ran unopposed, was reelected to serve the 13th Middlesex district including three precincts in Acton, as well as precincts in Wayland, Lincoln, Sudbury, and Marlborough.

“I am looking forward to representing Acton residents in the session beginning in January together with my new House colleague and Acton native Simon Cataldo,” Gentile said. “I very much look forward to meeting and getting to know more Acton residents and folks who work and/or operate businesses and/or NGOs in Acton.”

Heather Bout and Kyle Stapelton hold campaign signs outside the polls at the Hunt Recreation Center. Photo by Jennifer Lord Paluzzi
Heather Bout and Kyle Stapelton hold campaign signs outside the polls at the Hunt Recreation Center. – Photo by Jennifer Lord Paluzzi

Acton Town Clerk, Kari Taari reported in unofficial results that some 68 percent of registered voters turned out Tuesday. Acton has about 14,000 registered voters.

Four questions were on the ballot state-wide, and at least one remained undecided early Wednesday morning. Question One seeks to amend the state Constitution to impose a 4 percent tax on income over $1M; another measure to aid consumers of dental insurance passed; a third, to change alcohol retail licensing was defeated, and Question 4, allow undocumented persons the ability to have a drivers license, passed.

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