One of the more closely watched races in the Massachusetts primary this year was the Democratic contest for Governor’s Council District 3, between public defender Mara Dolan and 25-year incumbent Marilyn Devaney. It was a rematch of the 2022 race, which Devaney won by just over 1,600 votes. This time, Dolan came out on top. She’s now running unopposed in November’s general election. Dolan spoke with GBH’s Henry Santoro, host of Henry in the Hub. This interview has been lightly edited for clarity.

Henry Santoro: Let’s start with the Council itself. How many people are on it, what does it do, and how does it factor into state government?

Mara Dolan: The Governor’s Council has eight members. Each represents a district that represents an eighth of the state. So each district is larger than a congressional district. The Governor’s Council is a check and balance on the governor. The governor nominates folks, but it’s the Governor’s Council that approves judges, parole board members and commutations and pardons.

Santoro: And how often does the council meet?

Dolan: They meet every Wednesday.

Santoro:  And it’s a part-time job.

Dolan: Yes, it’s a one day a week job.

Santoro: And are these meetings open to the public?

Dolan: They are, yes. And they’re also available on YouTube.

Santoro: Does the public go to them?

Dolan:  Yes, people do. But also, people watch on YouTube. So if you can’t get to the State House, you can watch from the comfort of your home.

Santoro:  So it’s the Council that vets the judges, is that correct?

Dolan: Judicial nominees? Yes. The governor nominates and the Governor’s Council vets and votes. So the Governor’s Council has a final say on who our judges are.

Santoro: You have been a public defender for over 15 years. And while your home base is Concord, you have represented those who need it most statewide.

Mara Dolan: Yes.

Santoro: How will your position as a public defender play a part in your role on the Governor’s Council?

Dolan: I’m going to be the first public defender on the Governor’s Council. So that means that the perspective that I bring will be there for the very first time. As a public defender, my clients are among our most vulnerable and therefore the most impacted by the decisions of the Governor’s Council. And that’s why I ran.

Santoro: How can that be? That you’re the first public defender?

Dolan: Well, you saw how much I worked to win this. I mean, it’s tough. It’s tough. It’s been very difficult to run against an incumbent. We were talking about a district that’s larger than a congressional district. I have 31 cities and towns. So that’s a lot of ground to cover.

Santoro: Well, you have to be happy that all that is in the rear view mirror.

Dolan: Yes, everyone is.

Santoro: Mara Dolan is headed to the Massachusetts Governor’s Council, representing District 3. Mara, thank you so much. Always a pleasure.

Dolan: Thank you so much, Henry.