Donald Humason Jr.
{{short description|American politician}}
{{Infobox officeholder
| image = Donald Humason Jr official portrait.jpg
| name = Don Humason
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1967|7|31}}
| birth_place = Westfield, Massachusetts{{cite book |title=2007–2008 Public Officers of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts |url=https://archive.org/stream/publicofficersof20072008bost#page/144/mode/2up }}
| death_date =
| death_place =
| restingplace =
| nationality =
| website = [https://malegislature.gov/People/Profile/DFH0 Massachusetts Legislature website]
[http://www.donhumason.org/ Campaign website]
| occupation = Politician
| residence = Westfield, Massachusetts
| party = Republican
| spouse = Janice Humason (m. 2006)
| children = Quinn (b. 2011)
| alma_mater = Westfield State College (B.S.)
| title= Town Administrator of Chester
| term_start = September 6, 2022
| predecessor = Jill Strong
| term_start1 = January 6, 2020
| term_end1 = January 3, 2022
| predecessor1 = Brian P. Sullivan
| successor1 = Michael A. McCabe
| state_senate2 = Massachusetts
| district2 = 2nd Hampden and Hampshire
| term_start2 = November 20, 2013
| term_end2 = January 5, 2020
| predecessor2 = Michael Knapik
| successor2 = John Velis
| state_house3 = Massachusetts
| district3 = 4th Hampden
| term_start3 = 2003
| term_end3 = November 20, 2013
| predecessor3 = Cele Hahn
| successor3 = John Velis
}}
Donald F. Humason Jr. (born July 31, 1967) is an American politician who served as mayor of Westfield, Massachusetts from 2020 to 2022 and current town administrator of Chester, beginning September 6, 2022.{{cite news|title=Ex-Mayor, Senator Donald Humason tapped as Chester’s town administrator|url=https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2022/08/ex-mayor-senator-donald-humason-tapped-as-chesters-town-administrator.html|access-date=August 26, 2022}} A member of the Republican Party, he previously represented the 2nd Hampden and Hampshire District in the Massachusetts Senate from 2013 to 2020, and as representative for the 4th Hampden District in the Massachusetts House of Representatives between 2003 and 2013.[http://www.malegislature.gov/People/Profile/DFH1 Massachusetts Legislature profile]
Political career
=Massachusetts House of Representatives=
In his first bid for public office, Humason was elected on November 5, 2002 with 63% of the vote and was re-elected in 2004, 2006, 2008, 2010, and 2012. He resigned on November 20, 2013 after he was elected to the State Senate.
Humason's committee assignments were as follows.
;186th General Court (2009–2011)
- Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure
- Joint Committee on Higher Education
- Joint Committee on Public Health
- Joint Committee on Transportation
- Joint Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies
;187th General Court (2011–2013)
- Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure
- Joint Committee on Rules
- Committee on Rules
;188th General Court (2013–2015)
- Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure
- Joint Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies
;189th General Court (2015–2017)
- Joint Committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities
- Joint Committee on Public Service
- Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs
- Joint Committee on Ways and Means
- Committee on Intergovernmental Affairs
- Committee on Bonding, Capital Expenditures and State Assets
- Committee on Ways and Means
- Special Committee to Improve Government
=Massachusetts Senate=
On August 9, 2013, incumbent State Senator Michael Knapik resigned to become Executive Director of Advancement at Westfield State University. Humason defeated Michael Franco in the Republican primary on October 8 and defeated Democratic opponent David K. Bartley 53%-47%.{{cite news | title=State Senate candidates Donald Humason and David Bartley move ahead with campaigns following Tuesday primaries | url=http://www.masslive.com/politics/index.ssf/2013/10/democrats_hold_unity_event_fol.html | last=Lederman | first=Diane | work=The Republican | access-date=October 9, 2013}}{{cite news | title=Republican Don Humason wins 2nd Hampden Hampshire District Senate seat | url=http://www.masslive.com/politics/index.ssf/2013/11/republican_don_humason_wins_op.html | last=Rizzuto | first=Robert | work=The Republican | access-date=November 5, 2013}} A few weeks later, Humason was named as the new Senate Minority Whip by Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr. As Minority Whip, Humason worked to coordinate votes within the Senate Republican Caucus and assist the Minority Leader in developing policy.{{cite news | title=Humason promoted to new leadership position | url=http://www.wwlp.com/news/massachusetts/humason-promoted-to-new-leadership-position | last=Kriger | first=Barry | access-date=December 6, 2013 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131212035010/http://www.wwlp.com/news/massachusetts/humason-promoted-to-new-leadership-position | archive-date=December 12, 2013 }} He submitted his letter of resignation to Massachusetts Senate President Karen Spilka on December 4 upon being elected Mayor of Westfield. A special election was scheduled for March 31, 2020, but was delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic until May 16;{{Cite web|last=Tuthill|first=Paul|date=March 25, 2020|title=March Special Elections In Massachusetts Postponed|url=https://www.wamc.org/politics/2020-03-25/march-special-elections-in-massachusetts-postponed|url-status=live|access-date=September 13, 2021|website=WAMC|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210913005137/https://www.wamc.org/politics/2020-03-25/march-special-elections-in-massachusetts-postponed |archive-date=2021-09-13 }} it was won by Representative John Velis, who previously won the 2014 special election to succeed Humason in the House.{{Cite web|last=DeForge|first=Jeanette|date=May 20, 2020|title=John Velis wins special election for state Senate seat|url=https://www.masslive.com/news/2020/05/john-velis-wins-2nd-hampden-and-hampshire-district-special-state-senate-election.html|url-status=live|access-date=September 13, 2021|website=MassLive.com|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200526232810/https://www.masslive.com/news/2020/05/john-velis-wins-2nd-hampden-and-hampshire-district-special-state-senate-election.html |archive-date=2020-05-26 }}
During his tenure in the Senate, Humason's committee assignments were as follows:
;188th General Court (2013–2014)
- Joint Committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities
- Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure
- Joint Committee on Public Health
- Joint Committee on Public Service
- Joint Committee on Revenue
- Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy
- Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs
- Joint Committee on Ways and Means
- Committee on Ways and Means
- Committee on Bonding, Capital Expenditures and State Assets
;189th General Court (2015–2016)
- Joint Committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities
- Joint Committee on Education
- Joint Committee on Public Service
- Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs
- Committee on Intergovernmental Affairs
- Committee on Bonding, Capital Expenditures and State Assets
- Committee on Ways and Means
;190th General Court (2017–2018)
- Joint Committee on Rules
- Joint Committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities
- Joint Committee on Public Service
- Joint Committee on Transportation
- Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs
- Joint Committee on Ways and Means
- Special Committee to Review the Sexual Harassment Policies and Procedures
- Committee on Bonding, Capital Expenditures and State Assets
- Committee on Intergovernmental Affairs
- Committee on Rules
- Committee on Ways and Means
;191st General Court (2019–2020)
- Joint Committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities
- Joint Committee on Public Health
- Joint Committee on Public Service
- Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs
- Joint Committee on Ways and Means
- Committee on Bonding, Capital Expenditures and State Assets (Ranking Member)
- Committee on Ethics (Ranking Member)
- Committee on Post Audit and Oversight
- Committee on Ways and Means
==Towns represented==
In Hampden County: Chicopee (Ward 7 - Precinct A and B, Ward 8 - Precinct A, Ward 9 - Precinct A), Holyoke, Westfield, Agawam, Granville, Montgomery, Russell, Southwick and Tolland.
In Hampshire County: Easthampton and Southampton.
==Appointments==
- Senate Minority Whip (2013–2017){{cite news | title=Humason promoted to new leadership position | url=http://www.wwlp.com/news/massachusetts/humason-promoted-to-new-leadership-position | last=Kriger | first=Barry | access-date=December 6, 2013 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131212035010/http://www.wwlp.com/news/massachusetts/humason-promoted-to-new-leadership-position | archive-date=December 12, 2013 }}
- Military Asset and Security Strategy Task Force{{cite news | title=Sen. Don Humason Appointed to Military & Security Task Force | url=http://www.wggb.com/2014/09/16/sen-don-humason-appointed-to-military-security-task-force/ | last=Trowbridge | first=Ryan | access-date=September 16, 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141005143453/http://www.wggb.com/2014/09/16/sen-don-humason-appointed-to-military-security-task-force/ | archive-date=October 5, 2014 | url-status=dead }}
- Senate Assistant Minority Leader (2017–2020){{cite news | title=Sen. Don Humason assumes leadership role in Massachusetts Senate | url=http://www.masslive.com/politics/index.ssf/2017/03/sen_don_humason_assumes_leader.html | last=Berry | first=Conor | access-date=March 13, 2017}}
=Mayor of Westfield=
In January 2019, two-term incumbent Mayor Brian P. Sullivan announced he would not seek re-election.{{Cite web|url=https://www.masslive.com/news/2019/01/westfields_mayor_sullivan_will.html|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190817121103/https://www.masslive.com/news/2019/01/westfields_mayor_sullivan_will.html|archive-date = 2019-08-17|title = Westfield Mayor Brian Sullivan will not seek 3rd term|date = 30 January 2019}} On March 21, Humason ran for mayor against Michael McCabe, a 34-year captain of the Westfield Police Department.{{cite news|title=Massachusetts Sen. Don Humason announces run for Westfield mayor|url=https://www.masslive.com/news/2019/03/massachusetts-sen-don-humason-announces-run-for-westfield-mayor.html| last=Tremblay | first=Hope | access-date=March 21, 2019}}{{cite news|title=Westfield mayoral candidates Donald Humason, Michael McCabe advance to general election|url=https://www.masslive.com/business/2019/09/westfield-mayoral-candidates-donald-humason-michael-mccabe-advance-to-general-election.html|last=Kinney|first=Jim|access-date=September 4, 2019}} Humason narrowly defeated McCabe in a close race, winning 4,983 votes while McCabe received 4,886. Neither side declared victory as the results were within the margin of error, but McCabe chose not to seek a recount and conceded.{{cite news|title=McCabe Concedes To Humason In Westfield Mayor's Race|url=https://www.nepr.net/post/mccabe-concedes-humason-westfield-mayors-race|access-date=November 8, 2019}} He ran for re-election to a second term in 2021, but lost to McCabe in a rematch.{{cite news|title=Michael McCabe defeats Westfield Mayor Donald Humason|url=https://www.masslive.com/news/2021/11/michael-mccabe-defeats-westfield-mayor-donald-humason.html|access-date=November 2, 2021}}
=Town administrator of Chester=
After his tenure as Mayor of Westfield ended, Humason was chosen by the Chester selectboard to be the next town administrator.{{cite news|title=Ex-Mayor, Senator Donald Humason tapped as Chester’s town administrator|url=https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2022/08/ex-mayor-senator-donald-humason-tapped-as-chesters-town-administrator.html|last=Porter|first=Amy|access-date=August 26, 2022}}
Electoral history
State Legislature
| class=wikitable style="width: 94%" style="text-align: center;" align="center" |
| bgcolor=#cccccc
!colspan=13 style="background: #ccccff;" |Election results{{cite web | url=http://electionstats.state.ma.us/ | title=Massachusetts Election Statistics | publisher=Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts}} |
| Year
| Office | Election | | Subject | Party | Votes | % | | Opponent | Party | Votes | % |
| 2002
|General | |{{Party shading/Republican}} |Donald F. Humason Jr. |{{Party shading/Republican}} |Republican |{{Party shading/Republican}} |8,250 |{{Party shading/Republican}} |63.0% | |{{Party shading/Democratic}} |Bo Sullivan |{{Party shading/Democratic}} |Democratic |{{Party shading/Democratic}} |4.827 |{{Party shading/Democratic}} |36.9% |
| 2004
|General | |{{Party shading/Republican}} |Donald F. Humason Jr. |{{Party shading/Republican}} |Republican |{{Party shading/Republican}} |13,720 |{{Party shading/Republican}} |99.1% |
| 2006
|General | |{{Party shading/Republican}} |Donald F. Humason Jr. |{{Party shading/Republican}} |Republican |{{Party shading/Republican}} |9,925 |{{Party shading/Republican}} |98.9% |
| 2008
|General | |{{Party shading/Republican}} |Donald F. Humason Jr. |{{Party shading/Republican}} |Republican |{{Party shading/Republican}} |11,521 |{{Party shading/Republican}} |69.3% | |{{Party shading/Democratic}} |Brian R. Hoose |{{Party shading/Democratic}} |Democratic |{{Party shading/Democratic}} |5,080 |{{Party shading/Democratic}} |30.6% |
| 2010
|General | |{{Party shading/Republican}} |Donald F. Humason Jr. |{{Party shading/Republican}} |Republican |{{Party shading/Republican}} |10,286 |{{Party shading/Republican}} |99.3% |
| 2012
|General | |{{Party shading/Republican}} |Donald F. Humason Jr. |{{Party shading/Republican}} |Republican |{{Party shading/Republican}} |14,732 |{{Party shading/Republican}} |99.2% |
| 2013
|Special | |{{Party shading/Republican}} |Donald F. Humason Jr. |{{Party shading/Republican}} |Republican |{{Party shading/Republican}} |18,182 |{{Party shading/Republican}} |52.6% | |{{Party shading/Democratic}} |David K. Bartley |{{Party shading/Democratic}} |Democratic |{{Party shading/Democratic}} |16,314 |{{Party shading/Democratic}} |47.4% |
| 2014
|General | |{{Party shading/Republican}} |Donald F. Humason Jr. |{{Party shading/Republican}} |Republican |{{Party shading/Republican}} |27,817 |{{Party shading/Republican}} |54.3% | |{{Party shading/Democratic}} |Patrick T. Leahy |{{Party shading/Democratic}} |Democratic |{{Party shading/Democratic}} |16,314 |{{Party shading/Democratic}} |47.4% |
| 2016
|General | |{{Party shading/Republican}} |Donald F. Humason Jr. |{{Party shading/Republican}} |Republican |{{Party shading/Republican}} |43,097 |{{Party shading/Republican}} |59.5% | |{{Party shading/Democratic}} |J.D. Parker-O'Grady |{{Party shading/Democratic}} |Democratic |{{Party shading/Democratic}} |29,285 |{{Party shading/Democratic}} |40.4% |
| 2018
|General | |{{Party shading/Republican}} |Donald F. Humason Jr. |{{Party shading/Republican}} |Republican |{{Party shading/Republican}} |45,300 |{{Party shading/Republican}} |97.9% |
Westfield mayoral election, 2019
| class=wikitable
!colspan=1 |Candidates !colspan=2 |Preliminary election{{cite news|title=Westfield mayoral candidates Donald Humason, Michael McCabe advance to general election |url=https://www.masslive.com/business/2019/09/westfield-mayoral-candidates-donald-humason-michael-mccabe-advance-to-general-election.html | work=The Republican}} !colspan=2 |General election |
| !Votes
!% !Votes !% |
|---|
| Donald F. Humason, Jr.
| align="right" | 1,793 | align="right" | 46% | align="right" | 4,983 | align="right" | 50% |
| Michael A. McCabe
| align="right" | 1,690 | align="right" | 44% | align="right" | 4,886 | align="right" | 50% |
| Kristen Mello
| align="right" | 355 | align="right" | 9% | colspan=2 bgcolor=darkgray | |
| Andrew Mullen
| align="right" | 29 | align="right" | 1% | colspan=2 bgcolor=darkgray | |
Westfield mayoral election, 2021
| class=wikitable
!colspan=1 |Candidates !colspan=2 |General election{{cite news|title=Michael McCabe defeats Westfield Mayor Donald Humason|url=https://www.masslive.com/news/2021/11/michael-mccabe-defeats-westfield-mayor-donald-humason.html|access-date=November 2, 2021}} |
| !Votes
!% |
|---|
| Michael A. McCabe
| align="right" | 4,714 | align="right" | 55.1% |
| Donald F. Humason, Jr. (incumbent)
| align="right" | 3,846 | align="right" | 44.9% |
See also
References
{{reflist}}
External links
- [https://malegislature.gov/People/Profile/DFH0 Senator Donald F. Humason Jr.] official Massachusetts legislative website
- [http://votesmart.org/candidate/biography/35895/don-humason-jr#.UqMvJdJDuT4 Biography], [http://votesmart.org/candidate/key-votes/35895/don-humason-jr#.UqMvZtJDuT4 voting record], and [http://votesmart.org/candidate/evaluations/35895/don-humason-jr#.UqMvttJDuT4 interest group ratings] at Project Vote Smart
{{DEFAULTSORT:Humason, Donald Jr.}}
Category:Republican Party members of the Massachusetts House of Representatives
Category:Republican Party Massachusetts state senators
Category:Mayors of Westfield, Massachusetts
Category:Westfield State University alumni
Category:21st-century members of the Massachusetts General Court