Eastern District Attorney
November 3, 2026 · Essex County, Massachusetts · County · general
How do we calculate vote impact?
Vote impact = representation (how much weight one vote carries here, the smaller the district's population, the higher the representation) + decisiveness (how likely this race is to be close, based on past results and number of candidates).
Representation: Low · 14 out of 100
This district is large for its type, so each vote is a smaller slice of the outcome. About 813,054 people live here.
score = 100 × ln(largest population ÷ this district's) ÷ ln(largest ÷ smallest), rounded to 2 decimals = 100 × ln(1,638,365 ÷ 813,054) ÷ ln(1,638,365 ÷ 14,483) = 14.82, comparing counties in MA (grades: 66+ high, 33+ average, otherwise low)
Decisiveness: None · only 1 candidate
One candidate is running unopposed, so votes can't change the outcome.
Low representation + an uncontested race → Very low vote impact.
District Attorney is responsible for:
- Deciding who gets charged with crimes in the county
- Prosecuting criminal cases in court on the public's behalf
- Deciding plea deals and what sentences to ask for
- Working with police as cases are investigated and built
Affected Areas: Anti-Corruption, Public Safety and Crime Control, Gun Control, Women's Reproductive Rights, Civil Rights, Corporate Accountability
Candidates
Paul F. Tucker
Democratic · Incumbent · declared
Incumbent Essex County District Attorney, former state representative and Salem police chief, attorney, public-safety instructor, and 2026 Democratic candidate for reelection.
Records: Civil Rights 1 for, Public Safety and Crime Control 4 for
Election sources
Source: sec.state.ma.us
Source: sec.state.ma.us
Source: sec.state.ma.us