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.”