Somerville mayor eliminated in preliminary election

Somerville Mayor Katjana Ballantyne conceded her reelection bid after preliminary election results showed her trailing city councilors Jake Wilson and Willie Burnley Jr. Wilson led with 5,109 votes, Burnley followed with 4,117, and Ballantyne received 2,847 votes. Uncounted ballots are not expected to alter the overall results. Ballantyne, who first became mayor in 2021, ran on a platform emphasizing steady leadership and public works progress. Wilson criticized her administration for a perceived decline in city services and lack of transparency.

Burnley, the youngest candidate in the race and the only renter, highlighted his background in community organizing and activism. He aims to expand tenant rights and increase police accountability. Both Wilson and Burnley will face off in the general election scheduled for November.