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Boston City Council elections were held on November 5, 2019.[1] Nomination forms could be submitted starting April 17, and candidates had a filing deadline of May 21.[2] A preliminary election was held on September 24.[3] By law, Boston municipal elections are nonpartisan—candidates do not represent a specific political party.

For the four at-large seats: all four incumbents sought re-election. Election night results showed that three incumbents were re-elected, and one new at-large councillor was elected, by a margin of only 10 votes over the next-highest vote-getter.[1] A recount of that race confirmed that result but by only a single vote.[4]

For the nine district seats: six incumbents sought re-election; two were contested and four ran uncontested—election night results showed that all six were re-elected.[1] Three new district councillors were elected, for seats where incumbents were not seeking re-election. All district winners won by comfortable margins.[1]

Council members elected in November 2019 were inaugurated on January 6, 2020.[5]

Incumbents

The council members at the time of both the preliminary election and general election were as listed below.[6] The table further indicates if each incumbent ran for re-election, and if so, whether they were re-elected or not.

Council President Andrea Campbell
District Name Entered office Ran Re-elected Ref.
At-large Michelle Wu January 2014 Yes Yes [7]
Michael F. Flaherty January 2014 Yes Yes [8]
Annissa Essaibi George January 2016 Yes Yes [9]
Althea Garrison January 2019‡ Yes No [10]
1 Lydia Edwards January 2018 Yes Yes [11]
2 Ed Flynn January 2018 Yes Yes [12]
3 Frank Baker January 2012 Yes Yes [13]
4 Andrea Campbell† January 2016 Yes Yes [14]
5 Timothy McCarthy January 2014 No[a]   [16]
6 Matt O'Malley November 2010 Yes Yes [17]
7 Kim Janey January 2018 Yes Yes [18]
8 Josh Zakim January 2014 No[b]   [20]
9 Mark Ciommo January 2008 No[c]   [22]

† Council President
‡ Filled vacancy created by resignation of Ayanna Pressley upon her election to the United States House of Representatives

Results

2019 Boston City Council preliminary election signs in front of polling location

A preliminary election was held on September 24 to select candidates for four districts, and at-large, for the general election.[23] Voter turnout was 11.17%, as 44,972 of the city's 402,536 registered voters cast ballots.[24] The general election was held on November 5, registering 16.5% voter turnout,[25] as 67,011 ballots were cast.[26]

At-large

The top eight vote-getters in the preliminary election qualified for the general election of four seats.[27] Late on the night of the general election, with only a 10-vote margin between candidates for the final at-large seat, fifth-placed Alejandra Nicole St. Guillen called for a recount.[25] The election department subsequently corrected the tallies of some hand-counted ballots, resulting in a margin of five votes as of November 13 (22,477 to 22,472),[28] and tallied provisional ballots, resulting in a margin of eight votes on November 15 (22,500 to 22,492).[26]

Boston election laws require that a candidate seeking a recount submit 50 signatures from registered voters within each ward[d] where a recount is requested, within 10 days of the election.[30] On November 15, St. Guillen submitted 2,000 signatures in support of a recount.[26] Recount signatures, and the results in all other contests, were planned to be certified by Board of Election Commissioners on November 20.[31] The date for the recount was subsequently announced as December 7.[32] The result of the recount was announced on December 9, and confirmed Julia Mejia as winner of the final seat, by a margin of one vote—22,492 votes to 22,491 votes.[4] On December 10, St. Guillen conceded the race, rather than appealing contested ballots.[33]

Candidates Preliminary election[34] General election[1] Recount[4]
Votes % Votes % Votes %
Michelle Wu (i) 26,622 19.4 41,643 20.7    
Annissa Essaibi George (i) 18,993 13.8 34,074 17.0    
Michael F. Flaherty (i) 18,766 13.7 33,269 16.6    
Julia Mejia 10,799 7.9 22,477 11.2 22,492 —
Alejandra St. Guillen 11,910 8.7 22,472 11.2 22,491 —
Erin Murphy 9,385 6.8 16,853 8.4    
Althea Garrison (i) 9,720 7.1 16,175 8.1    
David Halbert 6,354 4.8 13,209 6.6    
Martin Keogh 6,246 4.5        
Jeffrey Ross 5,078 3.7        
Priscilla Flint-Banks 4,094 3.0        
Domingos DaRosa 2,840 2.1        
Michel Denis 2,108 1.5        
William A. King 1,809 1.3        
Herb Lozano 1,510 1.1        
Write-in 766 0.6 890 0.4    
Total 137,380 100 201,014 100    

District 1

The incumbent, Lydia Edwards, ran unopposed.[27]

Candidates General election[1]
Votes %
Lydia Edwards (i) 4,398 96.6
Write-in 155 3.4
Total 4,553 100

District 2

The incumbent, Ed Flynn, ran unopposed.[27]

Candidates General election[1]
Votes %
Ed Flynn (i) 6,367 97.0
Write-in 194 3.0
Total 6,561 100

District 3

The incumbent, Frank Baker, ran unopposed.[27]

Candidates General election[1]
Votes %
Frank Baker (i) 4,826 95.4
Write-in 235 4.6
Total 5,061 100

District 4

No preliminary election was necessary, as the only two candidates were listed on the general election ballot.[27]

Candidates General election[1]
Votes %
Andrea Campbell (i) 4,557 87.2
Jeff Durham 636 12.2
Write-in 35 0.7
Total 5,228 100

District 5

The top two vote-getters in the preliminary election qualified for the general election.[27]

Candidates Preliminary election[35] General election[1]
Votes % Votes %
Ricardo Arroyo 2,235 29.5 5,329 54.5
Maria Esdale Farrell 1,813 23.4 4,399 45.0
Jean-Claude Sanon 1,156 15.3    
Mimi E. Turchinetz 1,098 14.5    
Alkia T Powell 572 7.6    
Cecily Leticia Graham 399 5.3    
Justin Matthew Murad 154 2.0    
Yves Mary Jean 123 1.6    
Write-in 12 0.2 40 0.4
Total 7,571 100 9,777 100

District 6

The incumbent, Matt O'Malley, ran unopposed.[27]

Candidates General election[1]
Votes %
Matt O'Malley (i) 8,834 95.4
Write-in 427 4.6
Total 9,261 100

District 7

The top two vote-getters in the preliminary election qualified for the general election.[27]

Candidates Preliminary election[36] General election[1]
Votes % Votes %
Kim Janey (i) 2,145 70.0 3,852 74.5
Roy Owens Sr. 517 16.8 1,266 24.5
Valerie Hope Rust 381 12.4    
Write-in 24 0.8 53 1.0
Total 3,069 100 5,178 100

† Candidate for re-election

District 8

The top two vote-getters in the preliminary election qualified for the general election.[27]

Candidates Preliminary election[37] General election[1]
Votes % Votes %
Priscilla Kenzie Bok 2,032 50.4 3,662 70.1
Jennifer Ann Nassour 740 18.3 1,540 29.5
Helene Vincent 587 14.6    
Kristen Mobilia 511 12.7    
Montez David Haywood 149 3.7    
Write-in 14 0.3 23 0.4
Total 4,039 100 5,229 100

Nassour sought to become the first self-identified (as Boston municipal elections are non-partisan) Republican elected to the City Council since John W. Sears in November 1979.[38][39]

District 9

The top two vote-getters in the preliminary election qualified for the general election.[27]

Candidates Preliminary election[40] General election[1]
Votes % Votes %
Liz Breadon 1,129 23.5 3,885 58.5
Craig R. Cashman 1,218 25.4 2,728 41.1
Brandon David Bowser 763 16.0    
Daniel J. Daly 656 13.7    
Lee Nave Jr. 466 9.7    
Jonathan Lamar Allen 456 9.5    
Amanda Gail Smart 103 2.2    
Write-in 3 0.1 28 0.4
Total 4,813 100 6,648 100

Endorsements

Prior to the preliminary election:

  • The Boston Globe endorsed Ricardo Arroyo in District 5,[41] Kenzie Bok in District 8,[42] and Craig Cashman in District 9.[43] For at-large seats, the Globe endorsed incumbents Michelle Wu and Michael Flaherty, and newcomers David Halbert and Alejandra St. Guillen.[44]
  • Planned Parenthood endorsed Annissa Essaibi George, Michael Flaherty, and Michelle Wu for at-large seats, along with Lydia Edwards in District 1, Andrea Campbell in District 4, Matt O'Malley in District 6, and Kim Janey in District 7.[45]
  • The Massachusetts chapter of the Sierra Club endorsed Andrea Campbell in District 4, and Kim Janey in District 7.[46]
  • SEIU 32BJ (Service Employees International Union), SEIU Local 615 endorsed at-large candidates Julia Mejia, Alejandra St. Guillen, Annissa Essaibi George, and Michelle Wu; and endorsed Ricardo Arroyo in District 5, Kim Janey in District 7, and Kenzie Bok in District 8.[47]
  • Local 25 of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters endorsed Michael Flaherty, Michelle Wu, and Annissa Essaibi George for at-large seats, along with Lydia Edwards in District 1, Ed Flynn in District 2, Frank Baker in District 3, Andrea Campbell in District 4, Maria Esdale Farrell in District 5, Matt O'Malley in District 6, Kim Janey in District 7, and Daniel Daly in District 9.[48]
  • EMILY's List endorsed Lydia Edwards, Kim Janey, Michelle Wu, Annissa Essaibi George, and Andrea Campbell.[49]
  • Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey endorsed Michelle Wu and Annissa Essaibi George.[50]
  • Mayor of Boston Marty Walsh endorsed Alejandra St. Guillen and Annissa Essaibi George.[50]

Prior to the general election:

Nonbinding advisory question

A non-binding advisory question was added to the November 5, 2019, ballot for all Boston residents asking, "Do you support the renaming/changing of the name of Dudley Square to Nubian Square?" Election night results show that the question was defeated:[1]

Question 1 Votes %
Yes 24,224 45.70
No 28,787 54.30

Mayor of Boston Marty Walsh subsequently announced that the question had "passed in the surrounding areas" near the square, 1,990 to 958, and could be considered further by the city's Public Improvement Commission.[26] On December 19, 2019, the Public Improvement Commission unanimously approved changing the name of Dudley Square to Nubian Square.[54][55]

Notes

  1. ^ On January 10, 2019, Timothy McCarthy announced that he would not seek re-election.[15]
  2. ^ On March 21, 2019, Josh Zakim announced that he would not seek re-election.[19]
  3. ^ On April 2, 2019, Mark Ciommo announced that he would not seek re-election.[21]
  4. ^ Boston is divided into 22 wards.[29]

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o "City of Boston - Unofficial Results - Updated" (PDF). boston.gov. November 13, 2019. Retrieved December 1, 2019.
  2. ^ Fisher, Jenna (April 3, 2019). "Another Boston Councilor Leaving". patch.com. Retrieved April 6, 2019.
  3. ^ "2019 Election Calendar". boston.gov. December 22, 2016. Retrieved March 22, 2019.
  4. ^ a b c Valencia, Milton J. (December 9, 2019). "Boston activist wins City Council race by a single vote after recount". The Boston Globe. Retrieved December 10, 2019.
  5. ^ "Boston's city council swears in most diverse body". Boston.com. AP. January 7, 2020. Retrieved January 8, 2020.
  6. ^ "City Council". boston.gov. January 29, 2016. Archived from the original on September 25, 2019. Retrieved March 22, 2019 – via Wayback Machine.
  7. ^ "Michelle Wu". March 7, 2016.
  8. ^ "Michael Flaherty". March 7, 2016.
  9. ^ "Annissa Essaibi George". March 7, 2016.
  10. ^ "Althea Garrison". boston.gov. City of Boston. January 10, 2019. Archived from the original on April 15, 2019 – via Wayback Machine.
  11. ^ "Lydia Edwards". January 30, 2018.
  12. ^ "Ed Flynn". January 30, 2018.
  13. ^ "Frank Baker". March 7, 2016.
  14. ^ "Andrea Campbell". March 7, 2016.
  15. ^ Sutherland, Brooks (January 10, 2019). "Tim McCarthy won't seek re-election to Boston City Council". Boston Herald. Retrieved March 22, 2019.
  16. ^ "TTimothy McCarthy". boston.gov. City of Boston. March 7, 2016. Archived from the original on September 2, 2019 – via Wayback Machine.
  17. ^ "Matt O'Malley". March 7, 2016.
  18. ^ "Kim Janey". January 30, 2018.
  19. ^ Dwyer, Dialynn (March 21, 2019). "Boston City Councilor Josh Zakim releases statement on not seeking re-election". Boston.com. Retrieved March 22, 2019.
  20. ^ "Josh Zakim fma". boston.gov. City of Boston. March 7, 2016. Archived from the original on July 9, 2019 – via Wayback Machine.
  21. ^ Valencia, Milton J. (April 2, 2019). "Mark Ciommo to leave Boston City Council after this term, in another departure". The Boston Globe. Retrieved April 2, 2019.
  22. ^ "Mark Ciommo". boston.gov. City of Boston. March 7, 2016. Archived from the original on March 22, 2019 – via Wayback Machine.
  23. ^ "Certified List of Candidates for City Councillor-At-Large in Ballot Order Preliminary Municipal Election – September 24, 2019" (PDF). City of Boston. July 2019. Retrieved July 21, 2019 – via boston.gov.
  24. ^ Hilliard, John (September 25, 2019). "City Council incumbents Wu, Flaherty advance to November". The Boston Globe. Retrieved September 25, 2019.
  25. ^ a b Valencia, Milton J. (November 6, 2019). "Alejandra St. Guillen calls for recount in at-large Boston City Council race; Wu, Flaherty, Essaibi-George reelected". The Boston Globe. Retrieved November 6, 2019.
  26. ^ a b c d Cotter, Sean Philip (November 15, 2019). "Behind the 8 ball: Boston heads for City Council recount as margin just 8 votes". Boston Herald. Retrieved November 15, 2019.
  27. ^ a b c d e f g h i j "Certified List of Candidates for City Councillor-At-Large in Alpha Order" (PDF). City of Boston. Retrieved October 18, 2019 – via boston.gov.
  28. ^ Tiernan, Erin (November 13, 2019). "Mejia's lead narrows over St. Guillen in contested Boston City Council race". Boston Herald. Retrieved November 15, 2019.
  29. ^ "Wards and Precincts" (PDF). City of Boston. November 2009. Retrieved November 8, 2019 – via boston.com.
  30. ^ "What we know about the Boston City Council-at-large recount". Dorchester Reporter. November 7, 2019. Retrieved November 8, 2019.
  31. ^ Cotter, Sean Philip (November 19, 2019). "Boston elections board meeting to move forward with recount". Boston Herald. Retrieved November 20, 2019.
  32. ^ Gavin, Christopher (November 21, 2019). "A date for the Boston City Council vote recount has been set". Boston.com. Retrieved December 1, 2019.
  33. ^ Valencia, Milton J. (December 10, 2019). "St. Guillen concedes City Council election that ended in a one-vote difference". The Boston Globe. Retrieved December 10, 2019.
  34. ^ "City Councillor at Large" (PDF). City of Boston. September 24, 2019. Retrieved November 5, 2019 – via boston.gov.
  35. ^ "City Councillor District 5" (PDF). City of Boston. September 24, 2019. Retrieved November 5, 2019 – via boston.gov.
  36. ^ "City Councillor District 7" (PDF). City of Boston. September 24, 2019. Retrieved November 5, 2019 – via boston.gov.
  37. ^ "City Councillor District 8" (PDF). City of Boston. September 24, 2019. Retrieved November 5, 2019 – via boston.gov.
  38. ^ adamg (May 6, 2019). "Lawyer best known for Republican efforts joins race to replace Josh Zakim on the Boston City Council". universalhub.com. Retrieved October 18, 2019.
  39. ^ "New England elections". The Transcript. North Adams, Massachusetts. AP. November 7, 1979. p. 3. Retrieved October 18, 2019 – via newspapers.com.
  40. ^ "City Councillor District 9" (PDF). City of Boston. September 24, 2019. Retrieved November 5, 2019 – via boston.gov.
  41. ^ "Hyde Park's Ricardo Arroyo best choice for District 5 council seat". The Boston Globe. September 17, 2019. Retrieved September 18, 2019.
  42. ^ "First-time candidate Kenzie Bok wows the District 8 field". The Boston Globe. September 17, 2019. Retrieved September 18, 2019.
  43. ^ "Craig Cashman best prepared for District 9". The Boston Globe. September 17, 2019. Retrieved September 18, 2019.
  44. ^ "Wu, Flaherty, Halbert, St. Guillen: Our picks for at-large Boston City Council seats". The Boston Globe. September 18, 2019. Retrieved September 18, 2019.
  45. ^ "2019 Municipal Endorsements". plannedparenthoodaction.org. Retrieved September 18, 2019.
  46. ^ "2019 Endorsements". sierraclub.org. April 15, 2019. Retrieved September 18, 2019.
  47. ^ "32BJ SEIU Announces Boston City Council Endorsements". seiu32bj.org (Press release). August 7, 2019. Retrieved September 24, 2019.
  48. ^ Souza, Scott (August 29, 2019). "Teamsters Local 25 Endorses Boston City Council Candidates". patch.com. Retrieved September 18, 2019.
  49. ^ Valencia, Milton J. (September 19, 2019). "EMILY's List endorses five female Boston City Council incumbents". The Boston Globe. Retrieved September 19, 2019.
  50. ^ a b "Today's mission: Choose 8 from 15 for citywide Council". Dorchester Reporter. Dorchester, Boston. September 19, 2019. Retrieved September 24, 2019.
  51. ^ "Environmental Advocates Support Kenzie Bok for Boston City Council". Beacon Hill Times. October 18, 2019. Retrieved October 18, 2019.
  52. ^ "Liz will be a critical LGBTQ voice on the Boston City Council". victoryfund.org. Retrieved October 30, 2019.
  53. ^ "Alejandra will be the first openly LGBTQ woman elected to the Boston City Council". victoryfund.org. Retrieved October 30, 2019.
  54. ^ adamg (December 19, 2019). "Dudley Square officially gets renamed Nubian Square". Retrieved December 19, 2019.
  55. ^ Cotter, Sean Philip (December 19, 2019). "Roxbury's Dudley Square renamed Nubian Square". Boston Herald. Retrieved December 19, 2019.

Further reading

External links

source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2019_Boston_City_Council_election