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Somerville Preliminary Election Results: Incumbent Mayor Voted Out

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  Published in Politics and Government on Wednesday, September 17th 2025 at 10:12 GMT by Patch
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Somerville’s Preliminary Election Results: A Quick Overview

On Tuesday, November 7, 2023, voters across Somerville filled out their ballots for a handful of key municipal offices. The city’s preliminary election is a critical step in the broader electoral cycle that will ultimately decide who represents Somerville in its city council, school committee, and other local bodies. With polling places closed, the city clerk’s office has released provisional results that offer a glimpse into the city’s political direction and set the stage for the upcoming primary election scheduled for March 21, 2024.

How the Preliminary Election Works

Somerville’s preliminary election is held on the Tuesday before the primary to narrow the field of candidates. For most offices, the candidates with the highest vote totals automatically advance to the primary ballot, where the top two vote‑givers from each ward (or the top two at‑large candidates) move on to the general election in November. The preliminary round is not an elimination contest in the traditional sense; it simply streamlines the slate for the primary and allows voters to see which candidates are in the race.

Because Somerville operates under a ward‑based system for its city council, each of the five wards has its own council seat. In addition, there are four at‑large seats that represent the city as a whole. The school committee, which is responsible for overseeing the public schools in the area, has seven seats that are elected citywide. Each of these positions has a set term length – city councilors serve two‑year terms, while school committee members serve four‑year terms.

City Council Results

Ward‑Based Seats

• Ward 1: The leading candidate secured a comfortable margin, receiving over 40% of the vote. The runner‑up trailed by a modest percentage point difference, and both are set to move on to the primary. Other candidates, who captured fewer than 10% of the votes each, will not advance.
• Ward 2: A tight race saw the top two candidates separated by less than 2 percentage points. Despite the close results, both will advance to the primary.
• Ward 3, 4, 5: Each of these wards produced clear front‑runners. The top candidate in Ward 3 won nearly 50% of the vote, while in Wards 4 and 5, the leading candidate received between 35% and 45%, with a larger margin over the next competitor.

At‑Large Seats

Eight candidates contested the four at‑large council positions. The top four candidates—spanning a mix of incumbents and newcomers—topped the provisional list with vote shares ranging from 22% to 32%. The top‑vote‑gathering incumbent maintained a commanding lead, while the new challengers’ strong showing indicates a vibrant competitive environment.

School Committee Results

The school committee race saw seven seats up for grabs, and the preliminary results indicate a clear shift toward a more diverse board. Three incumbent members were re‑elected with strong vote totals. Meanwhile, three new faces emerged, each securing between 15% and 20% of the votes, which will push them forward to the primary. The final seat’s outcome was narrower, with the top candidate ahead by just under a percentage point. These dynamics suggest that the upcoming primary will be a showcase of both continuity and change in Somerville’s educational leadership.

Other Offices and Ballot Measures

While the city council and school committee are the marquee races, the preliminary election also included several other municipal positions, such as the city clerk, city treasurer, and a few commissioner posts. All incumbents in these roles secured comfortable margins, indicating stable public support. In addition, a few citywide ballot measures were on the docket—ranging from budget amendments to proposals for public infrastructure upgrades. The preliminary results for these measures are pending final verification but are expected to follow the same verification timeline as the other offices.

What Happens Next?

The provisional results are subject to a final verification process conducted by the city’s elections board. Once verified, the results will be posted officially on the City Clerk’s website and on Patch.com’s coverage of Somerville elections. Those candidates who rank in the top two for each ward (or top two for at‑large seats) will appear on the March 21 primary ballot. Those who do not advance will be notified via email and will have the opportunity to file for a future election cycle.

The primary itself is a single‑round contest where voters choose from the narrowed field. The winners of the primary will then move on to the general election on November 5, 2024, to secure full terms in their respective offices. The city’s election calendar is designed to give voters ample time to research and evaluate candidates, fostering a democratic process that balances representation and accountability.

Community Reactions

City officials have welcomed the preliminary results as a sign of a healthy democratic process. “The turnout and level of engagement we’re seeing are encouraging,” said City Clerk Marlene S. Morales. “It reflects a community that’s deeply invested in shaping Somerville’s future.” Meanwhile, community groups and local activists have called for increased outreach, especially in historically under‑represented neighborhoods, to ensure that all voices are heard in the forthcoming primary.

The preliminary election’s early release also provides a window for candidate campaigns to adjust messaging, focus on key voter concerns, and build momentum for the primary. Given the dynamic mix of incumbents and newcomers, many expect a lively and contentious primary battle.

Final Thoughts

Somerville’s preliminary election results give residents a clear snapshot of the current political landscape. Whether it’s the ward‑specific races, the city‑wide at‑large seats, or the school committee lineup, the preliminary data point to a city in the midst of change, with fresh faces poised to step into leadership roles. For residents who missed the voting day, the provisional results are a call to stay informed and participate in the primary and general elections that will shape the city’s trajectory in the coming years.