LEOMINSTER — State Rep. Natalie Higgins celebrated a decisive victory after besting challenger Josh Bowdridge, to retain her seat as state representative in the Fourth Worcester District, according to unofficial from the Associated Press.
The Democrat, who will be serving her sixth term on behalf of the district that covers the entire city of Leominster, garnered 61.4% of votes, or 8,075, versus her opponent Bowdridge, a Republican and Leominster School Committee member, who came in with 38.6%, or 5,077 votes, according to the AP.
“I am really grateful to the city of Leominster and excited to serve another term,” Higgins, a Democrat, said on Wednesday afternoon. “We are just going to keep doing what we are doing — focusing on constituent services and making government more accessible.”
Higgins was first elected as a state rep in November of 2016 and was sworn in and took office on Jan. 4, 2017. She was reelected in 2018, 2020, 2022, 2024, and now, demonstrating continued support from the people she serves. She was appointed to five committees for the 2025-2026 legislative session including the Joint Committee on the Judiciary and Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities, and Energy and also serves on the Sexual Violence Task Force of the Women’s Caucus, to name just a few of her roles.
The lifelong Leominster resident and Leominster High School Class of 2006 graduate shared this message on social media following her win on Tuesday.
“…To my incredible family and friends who worked so hard this year on our campaign — you gave us your evenings and your weekends, and any energy you could spare. And we earned more than 60% of the vote (our biggest win ever!) I am so hopeful for all that we will accomplish in the next two years.”
Team Bowdridge also conveyed gratitude to city residents on social media.
“To everyone who put a Josh Bowdridge sign in your yard, knocked on doors, made calls, showed up at events, or just told a neighbor why you were voting — thank you,” the post reads. “We came up short last night, but more than 5,000 of our neighbors cast their vote for Josh, and this campaign was built entirely by volunteers who believed in it. That is something to be proud of.
“…Not born and raised here, but invested here. Fighting for here. That doesn’t end with an election.”
In the 2nd Worcester District, Gardner Mayor Mike Nicholson was voted in as the state representative for the 2nd Worcester District, receiving according to unofficial City of Gardner results 3,921 votes over his opponent John Reilly Jr.’s 2,679, an unenrolled candidate.
Nicholson’s team sent out the following message just before midnight the day of the midterm election.
“Thank you Gardner, Ashburnham, Winchendon, and Templeton. I am honored to have earned your vote this evening to be the next State Representative for the 2nd Worcester District. I am truly honored to have earned your vote and won all 4 communities in the 2nd Worcester District!
“I have really enjoyed getting to know the people of this district, and I look forward to representing our communities on Beacon Hill.
“Thank you to Representative Jon Zlotnik for his many years of service to the District. I look forward to continuing your legacy of service.”
He went on to say that being the mayor of Gardner for the last six years “has truly been an honor, and I look forward to bringing that experience to the State Legislature to make sure our cities and towns have a voice at the table on the decisions that impact them daily.”
“I look forward to working with the members of the City Council over the next few months to ensure a smooth transition,” Nicholson said. “To everyone who signed my nomination papers, took a lawn sign, stood at a standout, knocked doors, made phone calls, volunteered, and, most importantly, came out to vote – thank you! I am truly humbled by all of your support. Tonight we celebrate, tomorrow we get to work!”
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