For a few milliseconds on Monday – the time it takes for a person to see a subject line and click on an email – South Boston’s Maureen Dahill was a candidate for mayor.

“No, I'm not really running for Mayor - that's an April Fool - but now I have your attention, I want you to know that I need your help right away!” Dahill said in an email, headlined "I'm Running for Mayor," to frequent voters in the First Suffolk Senate District. “This election for State Senate is no joke - the issues we all care about are at stake.”

Noting the election is 29 days away. the email asks for help fundraising and volunteering.

Dahill, a South Boston Democrat, and three other candidates are running for the seat vacated by Jack Hart, who left for a law firm earlier this year. State Reps. Nick Collins (D-South Boston) and Linda Dorcena Forry (D-Dorchester) are also running, as is Dorchester Republican Joseph Ureneck.

The Democratic primary is set for April 30 and the special election is scheduled for May 28.