Thompson is vice chair of the Rules Committee, which controls the flow of legislation to the floor of the House.

He is currently working to improve education, the environment and elderly affairs in the city and voted in favor of a bill to clean up toxic waste sites.

Some of Thompson's opponents have criticized him for a poor voting record in the House, but Abeel says he has a 98.7 percent voting record for the past two years.

While signs supporting the various campaigns can be seen on almost every corner in Central Square, few people on the street have much to say about the race.

One woman, who wished to remain anonymous, said she supports Barrios because of his stance on affordable housing.

But many people were either unfamiliar with the candidates or were not registered to vote.

Ronald W. Potvin is the sole Republican in the race and is the first to run in the district since 1964.

Toomey, the Democratic incumbent from the 29th Middlesex District is unchallenged. Demakis, the Democratic representative from the 8th Suffolk District is unchallenged in the primary, but will run against Republican candidate Christopher Caputo in the final election.

--Melissa K. Crocker contributed to the reporting of this story.