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Date: 3/15/2023
SPRINGFIELD – In what is expected to be an active political season, several mayoral candidates are taking out papers for the upcoming 2023 election, according to a list from City Clerk Gladys Oyola.
Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno, the longest tenured mayor in the city’s history, has not formally announced his reelection plans, but he has already submitted his signatures for certification. Mayoral candidates are required to present 500 signatures to be placed on the ballot.
Sarno continues to be active behind the scenes in setting up a re-election bid. According to the Massachusetts Office of Campaign and Political Finance, he carries an election campaign balance of $295,254, including a fundraising total of $146,615 in December 2022.
Sarno’s mayoral track record includes shepherding the city through the 2008 financial crisis, the 2011 tornado and most recently, the 2020 coronavirus pandemic. He has also promoted economic growth in downtown Springfield with the inclusion of MGM Springfield and several other local businesses.
Other mayoral candidates have already announced their intentions to run. City Councilor At-Large Justin Hurst became the first candidate to kick off his campaign with a Nov. 30, 2022, announcement. With his platform, Hurst is prioritizing transparency improvements to the recently reestablished Police Commission, establishing a “world-class” education system, equity and social justice improvements and small business development. He also previously served as a City Council president.
Hurst currently possesses $37,218 in campaign funds. He has also secured sufficient signatures to be placed on the 2023 mayoral ballot.
Counselor and social scientist Dr. David Ciampi announced his mayoral bid on Jan. 25. Ciampi is promoting his extensive background in social science to help address mental health concerns and education, while also promoting growth through the utilization of renewable energy resources and the possible inclusion of a celebratory Carnival Springfield.
Ciampi has taken out election papers but had not submitted sufficient signatures as of press time. His campaign coffers currently feature $226 after spending $14,780 over the first two months of 2023.
City Council President Jesse Lederman’s mayoral candidacy began on Feb. 7. Lederman, who became the council’s leader in June 2022, has worked to create several community-based initiatives, such as resident working groups focused on different facets of the city’s operations. Lederman is actively proposing other inclusions to Springfield, including the development of a municipal internet service.
He has also been a voice for environmental justice, advocating to block the development of a biomass plant and the potential construction of Eversource’s proposed Western Massachusetts Gas Reliability Project.
Lederman’s campaign account balance is $16,962. He had not submitted his signatures to the City Clerk’s office by press time.
State Rep. Orlando Ramos announced his mayoral bid on Feb. 16. Ramos continues to represent the 9th Hampden District since being elected for the seat in 2020. He was previously a member of the City Council, serving as president and chairing committees such as the Public Safety Committee during his tenure.
In his campaign address, Ramos cited his ability to deliver resources to Springfield during his time in the state legislator, such as $2.3 million for traffic safety improvements, $875,000 for economic development, $100,000 for improving water quality and $100,000 for veterans’ programs. He hopes to deliver “a new vision” for Springfield, which focuses on increasing economic development opportunities, ensuring transparency within city departments and improving quality of life issues.
The City Clerk’s office has already certified Ramos’ signatures. His campaign account currently includes $53,672.
Nomination papers are due to the City Clerk’s office on June 6. From there, the preliminary election will take place on Sept. 12. The two candidates with the most votes will then face off on Nov. 7 for the municipal election. Each of the five candidates thus far are Democrats.
Another candidate, Hector A. Martinez, also took out papers from the City Clerk’s office. There is no public information or official announcement from his campaign at this time.