WESTBOROUGH – A lot of door-knocking paid off for Kate Donaghue.
She is heading to the State House as the state representative for the newly formed 19th Worcester District.
According to unofficial results, the Democrat beat out Republican Jonathan Hostage for the seat, which includes Southborough, Northborough precincts 1, 2 and 3, Westborough precincts 1, 2, 3, 5 and 6, and Framingham, precinct 21.
“It was an interesting campaign,” said Donaghue the day after the election. “I look forward to serving the district.”
Donaghue has lived in Westborough for nearly 50 years. She has served on the town’s Open Space Preservation Committee and is on the board of the Green Mountain Club and the Westborough Community Land Trust
She previously told the Community Advocate that she decided to run for the district because “it’s an opportunity to make a difference.”
She said her top priorities will include improving the state’s health care system, with an emphasis on substance use disorder and supporting family caregivers. Donaghue has experience in both areas.
Donaghue lost a son to a drug overdose in 2018. After his death, Donaghue organized lobbying days on Beacon Hill to talk to legislators and policy-makers about improving addiction treatment in the state.
She also took care of her husband, Kimball, when he was diagnosed with cancer. He died of the disease almost a year ago.
In addition, she said she will support programs dealing with climate change, and will also support universal pre-kindergarten.
Westborough’s precinct 4, which is part of the 11th Worcester District, voted for Democrat Stephen Fishman over incumbent Republican Hannah Kane. However, Kane prevailed, and will be returning to Beacon Hill for the fifth time.
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