Photo: Belmont’s Elizabeth Dionne, Republican candidate for Massachusetts State Treasurer

Consider this Elizabeth Dionne’s “October surprise.”

On Tuesday, Oct. 27, the Republican Belmont resident picked up the endorsment of the editorial board of the Boston Globe, Massachusetts’ largest and most prominate media outlet, in her race to unseat Democrat Deb Goldberg for Massachusetts State Treasurer.

“After 12 years, it’s time for a new set of eyes” said the subhead to the Globe’s headline.

“Running as a Republican for statewide office in Massachusetts is an uphill battle. But Dionne is a common-sense moderate seeking to improve the functioning of state government. Voters should give her a chance,” noted the editorial board.

The coveted recommendation is especially noteworthy as it marks the first time in the paper’s history it backed a Republican challenger against a statewide Democratic incumbent. The Globe has supported other Republicans in statewide races including a dozen years ago when it endorsed Charlie Baker for Governor and Patricia Saint Aubin for State Auditor.

“We’re honored the Globe has placed its trust in our campaign,” Dionne – who served one term on the Belmont Select Board and a decade on Town Meeting – said in a press release. “This endorsement confirms that the issues we’ve raised throughout the race are legitimate and deserve attention.”

While saying Goldberg had ably managed the office for 12 years, the Globe pointed to her controversal “handling of a controversy at the Cannabis Control Commission” has raised questions of her judgement and leadership from both sides of the legislative aisle.

“Goldberg’s long tenure is not, in itself, a reason to reject her. But when there is a well-qualified opponent, and managerial missteps that raise concerns about the incumbent’s judgment, it’s reasonable to give weight to the value of fresh eyes,” the endorsement read.

“Dionne would offer a chance to review entrenched practices in areas ranging from how the state returns unclaimed property [to the tune of $450 million] to how the school building authority distributes money,” according to the board.

“To an office tasked with fiscal oversight, Dionne would bring a commitment to fiscal responsibility, pledging to audit the office, seek spending efficiencies, and bring more workers back in person from their current hybrid schedule.”

The candidates will hold their only face-to-face debate on WBZ-TV, to be broadcast on Sunday, Nov. 1.