SOMERSET, Mass. (WLNE) — A changing of guard in Bristol County, Massachusetts as two republicans head to Beacon Hill to replace Sen. Marc Pacheco and Rep. Pat Haddad. Pacheco had retired, but Haddad lost a close race to a relative political newcomer after 24 years in her seat. Justin Thurber, an Air Force veteran of 29 years, will take over as the state representative for the 5th District, representing Somerset, Dighton, and parts of Swansea and Taunton. shaking up Thurber beat Haddad by a little more than 950 votes and said he hopes to use that experience to define his new role. The election of Thurber, as well as Taunton City Councilor Kelly Dooner’s win to replace Pacheco mirrored the ‘red’ trend in Bristol County, where President-elect Trump received significant support. Haddad released a statement where she said, “I may not have been re-elected, but our shared commitment to progress, unity, and service will always remain.” Thurber says he hasn’t talked to Haddad yet but he hopes to connect with her soon to talk about the transition. Categories: Massachusetts, News