UPDATE: In a groundbreaking election on November 7, 2025, voters in Brockton, Massachusetts, made history by electing the city’s first Black mayor, Moises Rodrigues. With his victory over fellow City Council member Jean Bradley Derenoncourt, Rodrigues is set to lead this majority-minority city for the next two years.
This significant win reflects a pivotal moment for Brockton, where both candidates have pledged to serve all residents. Rodrigues, who has roots in Cape Verde, and Derenoncourt, who immigrated from Haiti following the devastating earthquake in 2010, emerged as the top vote-getters from the preliminary elections held in September.
In Somerville, City Council member Jake Wilson declared victory in his race against fellow Councilor Willie Burnley Jr., garnering 52.2% of the votes compared to Burnley’s 46%. Wilson’s win positions him to take over from outgoing Mayor Katjana Ballantyne, who faced defeat in the preliminary elections. This race is crucial as Somerville challenges federal immigration policies, having previously filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration to protect local funding.
Meanwhile, in Taunton, incumbent Mayor Shauna O’Connell successfully fended off a challenge from City Councilor Estele Borges. O’Connell emphasized her record of results during her six years in office, while Borges criticized her for a lack of transparency in decision-making. The dynamic between these candidates highlights the ongoing debate over community involvement in local governance.
In Newton, City Council President Marc Laredo is leading the race to replace outgoing Mayor Ruthanne Fuller, with unofficial tallies showing him capturing an overwhelming 84% of the votes against challenger Albert Cecchinelli. Laredo has vowed to enhance community engagement and foster respectful dialogue in city governance, promising a shift from what he describes as a top-down approach.
These election results are generating conversation across Massachusetts, as voters express their desire for change and leadership that reflects the diversity of their communities. As the dust settles on this historic election night, all eyes turn to these newly elected officials as they begin their terms and address pressing local issues.
Stay tuned for more updates on these developing stories.
