Politics & Government

Republicans Enter Race for Peabody State Rep

Two city members of the GOP are making a bid for the vacant 12th Essex District seat.

Local Republicans Greg Bunn and Leah Cole are entering the fray with three other seasoned Peabody politicians for the city's now vacant seat in the Mass. House of Representatives.

Bunn has already launched his online campaign for the 12th Essex District with Facebook and Twitter accounts and a website. Cole, however, does not appear to have an online presence yet.

While Bunn may be relatively unknown in the local political scene, his resume shows he does have experience in state government.

Find out what's happening in Peabodywith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Bunn works within the Executive Office of Workforce and Development, is part of a management team for the North Shore Career Centers and is a former social worker with the Department of Mental Health.

A campaign statement from Bunn paints the special election as all about "opportunity." The following is an excerpt from that statement:

Find out what's happening in Peabodywith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Since I was 25, I’ve dedicated myself to public service with the Commonwealth. From helping veterans to find good paying jobs, to working with individuals dealing with chronic mental illness to improve their lives, to providing economic support for businesses on the North Shore, I’ve learned quite a bit about creating opportunities for others. Allow me to put that experience to work for our community here in Peabody.

The elections division of the Secretary of State's office said Bunn has not filed his nomination papers yet, and meanwhile, Cole did file with the Peabody City Clerk's office on Monday.

As for the rest of the field, Democrats Beverley Griffin Dunne and Jim Moutsoulas have already filed their papers along with Dave Gravel, who is running as Unenrolled.

Moutsoulas, a former city councilor, is holding an organizational campaign meeting Jan. 20 (10 a.m. - noon) at the Knights of Columbus, while Gravel, a city councilor and former School Committee member, is kicking off his campaign Jan. 25 (7 p.m.) at the Ancient Order of Hibernians.

Dunne, a School Committee member, is kicking her campaign off at the KofC on Feb. 1 (7 p.m.).

The 12th Essex District seat was left vacant with the death of Peabody native Joyce Spiliotis in November. The district includes wards 1-4 and Ward 5 Precinct 1 and 3.

Stay with Peabody Patch for more news on the special election for State Representative as it develops.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here