Following a 2-1 victory over challenger Jeffrey Raymond, state Rep. Susannah Whipps (I-Athol) said she is “humbled” by the strong response from the 2nd Franklin District.

Whipps, who won a sixth term in office, said via email that she was elated to see the results, and saw it as “a great affirmation that people see the work I do and appreciate my efforts.”

“Serving the people of this district is an honor and I look forward to continuing to be their voice and their connection to our state government,” said Whipps. “I have to mention my administrative aide Rachel McMahon Kennedy, who manages my office and assists in constituent services. She’s a gem and an integral part of my team.”

Whipps added that her legislative priorities would include housing, school funding and access to mental health services.

The state representative defeated Raymond handily in each town of the district, though in Phillipston, she only won by 69 votes. In Athol and Orange, her victory came with more than 1,000 votes over her opponent. All told, she received 13,368 votes to Raymond’s 6,563.

Raymond is a U.S. Air Force veteran who worked as a firefighter/EMT for 36 years. He drives a school bus and sits on the Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical School Committee. He has credited President Donald Trump as being an inspiration due to the policies he put into place during his first term.

“Not him, the person, but the policies he put in place,” Raymond said. “When I see his policies, I think we need to do the same.”

Raymond, who ran as a Republican, has challenged Whipps before, in a losing effort. He said he dealt with important family issues during this most recent campaign, which at times made it difficult to connect with voters. He credited Whipps with having a lot of name recognition in the district and being a difficult candidate to defeat.

“I think people want change in the district, they just don’t know me,” said Raymond on Wednesday. “I didn’t get out as much as I should have. If I go a third time, I’m going to go all out.”

Raymond said in the past that Whipps “started out great” but that in recent years hasn’t done much for the district. He hopes that she sees this as a message that it’s time for “stepping up if she realizes people want change, this is her opportunity to fix things.”

Should he decide to run a third time, Raymond plans to fine-tune his campaign and meet with the people of the district to share his plans, which would include lessening regulations on businesses, creating more well-paying jobs and improving vocational education.

Max Bowen can be reached at 413-930-4074 or mbowen@atholdailynews.com.