On the eve of the Massachusetts primary elections, Cambridge Day received polling data from one of the candidates vying to become state senator for the 2nd Middlesex District that showed Erika Uyterhoeven leading the race but more than a third of voters still undecided.
The polling data came from a person close to one of the campaigns who asked not to be identified. The poll of 358 likely Democratic voters saw 25 percent pick Uyterhoeven, state Rep. for the 27th Middlesex District, 18.9 percent select Barber, currently state Rep. in the 34th Middlesex District, 10.5 percent choose Somerville City Councilor Matt McLaughlin and 8.9 percent opt for Cambridge Vice Mayor Burhan Azeem. The poll was conducted in July, before Tom Hopcroft dropped out of the race; he was given first choice by 3.7 percent of voters. The poll weighted responses by age and voting record in the past four elections. It had a margin of error of 3.9 percent.
Still, undecided voters made up 32.9 percent of the votes, meaning the race was still wide open. Also, the source confirmed the polling data has not been updated since it was first received in July. But the source said the analysis of the field at the time still held up, with Uyterhoeven and Barber having the broadest name recognition. Among voters who were highly likely to vote, Barber was picked by 28.2 percent, Uyterhoeven by 25.6 percent.
Azeem dismissed the polling results, saying the number of undecided voters and lack of clarity on likely turnout made predictions difficult. He said he is “very optimistic” about Tuesday, telling Cambridge Day his own internal numbers “look really good and we’ve consistently been ahead on fundraising.”
Azeem has raised $163,639 since the start of the year. Barber has pulled in $140,290, Uyterhoeven $129,065 and McLaughlin $65,515.
He said while the four candidates all have strengths, “My focus has been on [improving] housing, transit, and pre-k. I have found that message to be resonating with voters and I think it will continue to tomorrow.”
Barber said of the polling data that “We have always known this would be a very competitive race. Voters have a real choice tomorrow — between leadership that is about being the loudest voice and leadership that is about delivering results.”
She praised her team and noted that she has been endorsed by Sen. Pat Jehlen, who has held the 2nd Middlesex seat for 20 years. “We are excited to keep working until the polls close tomorrow.”
Cambridge Day also reached out to Uyterhoeven and McLaughlin for comment but did not hear back by publication time.
A stronger
Please consider making a financial contribution to maintain, expand and improve Cambridge Day.
We are now a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and all donations are tax deductible.
Please consider a recurring contribution.
