SANDWICH – Steve Xiarhos, Republican candidate for State Representative in the Fifth Barnstable District, declared victory in his campaign late on Tuesday evening.

According to preliminary results reported by Town Clerks in Sandwich, Bourne, Barnstable, and Plymouth, Xiarhos appeared to win election by a margin of 13,384 to 12,137. His opponent, James Dever of Sandwich, called Xiarhos Tuesday evening to concede.

“I am honored and humbled by the results of today’s election,” said Xiarhos. “I appreciate the support of so many voters, and I am ready to serve the people of the Fifth Barnstable District as their next State Representative. Above all else, I pledge to represent our four communities with honor, integrity, accountability, and hard work.”

As a former Deputy Police Chief and Cape Cod philanthropist, Xiarhos ran a campaign focused on public safety, fiscal responsibility, and local issues. He has vowed to strengthen the state’s criminal justice laws to make sure violent criminals and drug dealers remain in jail, and to support first responders and veterans. He also has pledged to advocate for more Local Aid for cities and towns, to find ways to balance the state budget without new taxes, and to vote against wasteful state spending.

Xiarhos’ campaign was endorsed by a wide range of officials on the state and local level, including Governor Charlie Baker and State Representative Randy Hunt. Hunt, who currently represents the Fifth Barnstable District, announced his intention not to run for reelection last year.

Xiarhos says he looks forward to the beginning of the legislative session in January and plans to get down to business quickly. “I’m not going to waste any time making sure the interests of the people of this district are fully represented in the House,” said Xiarhos. He has pledged frequent contact with the residents of the district and to make constituent service a priority. To assist with those efforts, Xiarhos has said he plans to open a district constituent services office sometime after taking office.

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