Springfield Incumbents Lead in Preliminary Election with Low Voter Turnout
Springfield, MA – November 7, 2023 – Incumbent candidates maintained a strong position in Springfield’s preliminary elections held today, though results were marked by notably low voter turnout. The elections narrowed the field of candidates for both City Council and School Committee ahead of the final election in November.
In the Ward 6 City Council race, incumbent Jose Davila and challenger Sean Johnson advanced to the final election after receiving the most votes. Jan Burdewik, a voter at Forest Park Middle School, noted both candidates actively campaigned, with Davila and Johnson both knocking on her door to discuss issues. Burdewik also attended Johnson’s campaign kick-off event. She stated, “I think I appreciate when peopel understand the complexity of issues and the time it takes to get things accomplished.”
Support for Davila also came from members of the Carpenters Union Local 336, with at least six members demonstrating outside Forest Park Middle School after work.Arthur Cook explained the union’s backing, stating, “We are supporting Victor. He stands behind the working class and the legislation we are trying to get passed,” referring to a bill aimed at preventing salary theft and ensuring prevailing wages for union members.
The Ward 4 City Council race saw incumbent Maria Valentin advance to the final election. Supporters gathered in front of Forest Park Middle School to voice their support.Herrera, a local resident, shared a personal connection to Valentin, recalling assistance she received when first moving from Puerto Rico and continued support for her grandchildren.”Now she is helping my grandchildren,” Herrera said.
Jynai McDonald, who previously ran for the Ward 4 city Council seat in 2019 and 2021, cast a ballot with her son. While acknowledging the challengers as “good people,” she found their platforms uninspiring, stating, “I’m always happy to see the status quo challenged.”
