Brian Hamlin To Challenge Rep. Shawn Dooley For 9th Norfolk Seat

MEDFIELD, MA — Brian Hamlin is the official challenger for November's race for the 9th Norfolk District race. Hamlin won Tuesday night's Democratic primary against Hunter Cohen, propelling him into the race against Republican incumbent Shawn Dooley.

Hamlin won the primary with just over 1,400 votes, earning 59 percent of the vote. The total voter turnout for the 9th Norfolk District race was close to 8,000 ballots.

Hamlin ran a campaign focused on gun control, the opioid epidemic, education and a stress on communication with constituents. Hamlin told Patch that he noticed Cohen was making headway on social media and his campaign is now in the midst of regrouping for the November election.

"It is an honor to have come out on top of this primary. My opponent was really getting himself noticed through social media. With Covid-19 it has changed the whole process of elections. We are in the middle of regrouping now to go for our goal of serving our community in a way they deserve. I have mentioned before this position I am looking to take control of is the 9th Norfolk District "Representative" in the State House. I am looking to serve our public in our communities the best I can. I believe from open discussions that it will make a difference in the future of our communities. To work with one another not to create the divide that is around us now but to bring together our community for the better. If we don't talk amongst ourselves as group leaders (State House) nothing good can come from it," Hamlin said.

Hamlin has worked as a cabinetmaker for the last 40 years and owned a business for 21 years. If Hamlin wins the 9th Norfolk District race it would not only be his first position in politics, but he would disrupt the consecutive Republican representation in the district.

Rep. Shawn Dooley ran in Tuesdays Republican primary unopposed and has served the 9th Norfolk District for six years — he is the sixth consecutive Republican to hold the seat. Dooley has a background in finance and business, working as a Certified Financial Planner for 17 years and owning a construction company for 8 years after that.