Mitchell makes history, winning 1st 4-year mayoral term

Posted Nov 5, 2019 at 9:48 PM. Updated Nov 7, 2019 at 1:47 PM
Mayor easily topped challenger Moultrie
Incumbent Jon Mitchell swept to easy victory over challenger Richard Tyson Moultrie to become the first mayor in New Bedford history to win a four-year term.
In gaining a fifth term, Mitchell outdistanced Moultrie, 6,778 to 2,483, getting 72% of the vote to his challenger’s 26%.
All told, just 16.4% of the city’s voters went to the polls. “I know the weather might have played a role, but it’s extremely low,” Election Commissioner Manny DeBrito said, adding “It’s been a long interesting election season and I thank you all for your patience.”
For councilor-at-large, all five incumbents were re-elected but Brian K. Gomes, long one of the top vote-getters in the race, repeated his preliminary election showing, again finishing fifth among the five.
Mitchell will be most powerful mayor in recent history
In hanging on to his seat, Gomes beat Paul Chasse, the next closest finisher, by 936 votes.
Tops in the race was Ian Abreu (5,588), followed by Linda Morad (5,372), Naomi Carney (4,820), Debora Coelho (4,720), then Gomes (4,345). Totals for the challengers were: Chasse (3,409), Leo E. Choquette Jr.(2,309)), Lisa White (2,298), Michael Janson (2,049) and Carlos P. Felix (1,507).
In the contested ward races, Ward 4 was the only one without an incumbent and Derek Baptiste topped Joseph “Jo-Jo” Fortes, who previously served as councilor and was looking to return. The vote was 999 to 613, with Baptiste getting almost 62% of the vote to Fortes’ 38%.
Original story here.

Scroll to Top
Get news from New Bedford Economic Development Council in your inbox


By submitting this form, you are consenting to receive marketing emails from: . You can revoke your consent to receive emails at any time by using the SafeUnsubscribe® link, found at the bottom of every email. Emails are serviced by Constant Contact