Council & Mayoral Endorsements

The Somerville preliminary election on Tuesday, September 16, 2025 will include votes for mayor, city councilor at large, and councilor for Ward 7. Based on candidate survey responses, individual conversations, public statements and established track records, we encourage you to vote for:

Mayor: Willie Burnley, Jr.

Councilor at Large: Scott Istvan, Ben Wheeler, Will Mbah, and Jonathan Link

Ward 3: Ben Ewen-Campen (note: this race will not appear on the September ballot)

Ward 5: Naima Sait (note: this race will not appear on the September ballot)

Ward 7: Emily Hardt

The incumbent candidates in wards 1, 2, 4, and 6 do not have challengers, and we think there’s a good reason for that: they’ve done a good job and deserve re-election.

If necessary, we will update our voter guide after the preliminary election.

Visit somervilleyimby.org/elections/2025-election for our voter guide and links to each candidate’s complete survey answers.

Other News

Fire Relief Fundraiser
On August 10, fire displaced several families in Clarendon Hill. The Somerville Homeless Coalition is raising money for emergency support for these families in their time of need. Please help our neighbors out with a donation.

School Building Survey
The city is collecting additional feedback on the school rebuilding plan. Especially if you’ve got kids in our schools, be sure to let them know your thoughts.

Upcoming Events

• August 16, 23 and 25: Davis Square Neighborhood Council Elections — in person at the West Branch library. Voting eligibility is broad, so be sure to take a look at the DSNC Bounds Map and vote if you are eligible. Our picks are Elaine Almquist, PJ Kim-Santos, Joel Paul, and Chris Beland.

• August 18: 1 McGrath Hotel Meeting — Learn about a proposed hotel at 1 McGrath Highway. 6:00 pm, online via Zoom.

• August 19: 1 Myrtle Street — The general public is invited to discuss someone’s three-season porch. 6:00 pm, online via Zoom.

• August 20: Zoning Board of Appeals: Proponents request relief from rules on dormers and electrical equipment. 6:00 pm, via Zoom.

• August 21: MBTA Hearing on Automated Enforcement — 6:00 pm, in-person at 10 Park Plaza, Boston and online via Zoom.

• August 21: Planning Board — Agenda includes the redevelopment of the Petrola site at 675 Somerville Ave. 6:00 pm, via Zoom.

As always, you can find our Google calendar at somervilleyimby.org/calendar. If you notice we’ve missed an event, feel free to reply to this message and let us know!

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