Joan Lovely said her victory in the Second Essex Senate race primary was a team effort, and she plans on succeeding Sen. Fred Berry with a November win against Republican challenger Richard Jolitz.

After the win was made official, Lovely joined supporters, which included Salem Mayor Kim Driscoll, Rep. John Keenan, Police Chief Paul Tucker, city councilors and school committee members at the Moose Lodge — headquarters  for her campaign during Thursday's election.

Danvers is in Second Essex District, along with Beverly, Peabody, Salem and Topsfield.

Lovely thanked her family, supporters, Berry and even her opponents — Edward Carroll, Mary-Ellen Manning and John Slattery — during her acceptance speech.

Lovely ended up with 50 percent of the votes across the district - 7,450 votes - to Slattery's 4,418 votes (30 percent). Manning took 17 percent with 2,610 votes and Carroll had 309 votes (2 percent).

"It's not easy to put your name on the ballot," Lovely said while congratulating her opponents on a hard-fought race.

Be sure to watch our video for highlight from Lovely's victory speech.