Support Progressive Candidates in Salem

This article is part of our series covering November's local elections, which also includes coverage for Beverly, Lynn, and Peabody.

With so much happening daily in national news, most of us haven't had the time or energy to follow this fall's municipal elections. Ironically, though, the stakes for local elections have never been higher. We vitally need leaders who will do everything within their power to protect us from the dangerous and cruel policies of the Trump Administration.

Because we are still in our infancy as a publication, North Shore Progressives will not endorse any local candidates for the 2025 Election. However, we encourage you to learn about your town's municipal races and support local progressive candidates. To assist with your research, we have organized helpful links relating to Salem's candidates below.

Your support can make a big difference in the final weeks of a local campaign. Candidates will need donations as well as volunteers for canvassing, phone banking and other clerical jobs. Even a small donation or a few hours of volunteer work can make a difference.

Helpful Links

• Salem's City Clerk website and Ward and Precinct Map. If you are in doubt of which ward and precinct you reside in, contact the City Clerk's office: 978-745-9595 Ext. 41200.
• Salem's September 2025 Primary Results
• League of Women Voters-Salem's Voter Information Page
• League of Women Voters-Salem's 2025 Election Voter Toolbox
• From the League of Women Voters (National): Voting in Massachusetts and Make a Voting Plan.

Mayor

Mayor Dominick Pangallo is running unopposed for another term.

City Councilors At-Large

• Five candidates are running for four seats.
• Incumbents seeking re-election: Kyle Davis, Ty Hapworth, Alice Merkl, Conrad Prosniewski.
• New candidate: John Harvey (current Ward 4 Councillor)

Policy Questionnaires

• League of Women Voters-Salem responses: Kyle Davis, Ty Hapworth, John Harvey, and Alice Merkl. Not returned: Conrad Prosniewski.
• Progressive Massachusetts responses from Kyle Davis and Alice Merkl. Not Returned: Ty Hapworth, John Harvey, and Conrad Prosniewski.
• The Salem Commoner/Abundant Housing Massachusetts responses from Kyle Davis and Alice Merkl. Not Returned: Ty Hapworth, John Harvey, Conrad Prosniewski.
• Witch City Action responses from Kyle Davis, Ty Hapworth, and Alice Merkl. Not Returned: John Harvey and Conrad Prosniewski.

Endorsements

• Kyle Davis: Abundant Housing Massachusetts
• Ty Hapworth: Rainbow Times (2021)
• Alice Merkl: Abundant Housing Massachusetts, Massachusetts Women's Political Caucus, North Shore Labor Council, Rainbow Times (2021)
• Conrad Prosniewski: Rainbow Times (2021)

Candidate Forum

Here is the recording of a forum for At-Large Candidates held on October 7th.

Ward 1 Councillor

• League of Women Voters-Salem Ward 1 coverage with candidate written statements and videos of candidate introductions and forum events.
• Incumbent: Cynthia Jerzylo
• New Candidate: Erin Turowski

Policy Questionnaires

• League of Women Voters-Salem Policy Questionnaire Responses from Cynthia Jerzylo and Erin Turowski
• Progressive Massachusetts Policy Questionnaire Responses from Erin Turowski. Not Returned: Cynthia Jerzylo.
• The Salem Commoner/Abundant Housing Massachusetts Policy Questionnaire Responses from Erin Turowski. Not Returned: Cynthia Jerzylo.
• Witch City Action Policy Questionnaires not returned by either candidate.

Endorsements

• Cynthia Jerzylo: None listed on website or social media.
• Erin Turowski: 314 Action Fund, Abundant Housing Massachusetts, North Shore Labor Council, Run for Something

Upcoming Ward 1 Candidate Forum

• Wednesday, October 15, 7:00-8:00 PM. Root, 35 Congress St. (Shetland Park)

Salem Ward 1 Candidate Forum — League of Women Voters–Salem

The Salem Ward 1 Candidate Forum is sponsored by The Historic Derby Street Neighborhood Association, The Point Neighborhood Association, The Willows Neighborhood Association and the League of Women Voters - Salem This Forum will be held at Root Culinary School located in the Shetland Park complex.

League of Women Voters–SalemHome

Ward 2 Councillor

• League of Women Voters-Salem Ward 2 Coverage with candidate written statements and videos of candidate introductions and forum events.
• Outgoing Incumbent: Caroline E. Watson-Felt
• New Candidates: William Legault, Andrew Smith

Policy Questionnaires

• League of Women Voters-Salem Policy Questionnaire Responses from William Legault and Andrew Smith
• Progressive Massachusetts Policy Questionnaire Responses from Andrew Smith. Not Returned: William Legault.
• The Salem Commoner/Abundant Housing Massachusetts Policy Questionnaire Responses from Andrew Smith. Not Returned: William Legault
• Witch City Action Policy Questionnaire Responses from William Legault. Not Returned: Andrew Smith.

Endorsements

• William Legault: Moms Demand Action Gun Sense Candidate
• Andrew Smith: Abundant Housing Massachusetts, Run for Something, SEIU Local 509

Ward 3 Councillor

• League of Women Voters-Salem Ward 3 Coverage with candidate written statements.
• Outgoing Incumbent: Patricia Morsillo
• New Candidates: Kevin Doherty, Jason Sydoriak

Policy Questionnaires

• League of Women Voters-Salem Policy Questionnaire Responses from Jason Sydoriak. Not Returned: Kevin Doherty.
• Progressive Massachusetts Policy Questionnaire Responses not returned by either candidate.
• The Salem Commoner/Abundant Housing Massachusetts Policy Questionnaire Responses from Jason Sydoriak. Not Returned: Kevin Doherty.
• Witch City Action Policy Questionnaires not returned by either candidate.

Endorsements

• Kevin Doherty: No web site or social media presence for campaign.
• Jason Sydoriak: Abundant Housing Massachusetts.

Upcoming Ward 3 Candidate Forum

• Tuesday, October 14, 7:00-8:00 PM. Collins Middle School, 29 Highland Avenue.  

Salem Ward 3 Candidate Forum — League of Women Voters–Salem

Salem Ward 3 Candidate Forum with the Ward 3 City Council Candidates  Kevin Doherty & Jason Sydoriak The purpose of candidate forums is to provide a fair, informative, respectful, and inclusive platform for candidates and others to present their views to the public The Salem War

League of Women Voters–SalemHome

Ward 4 Councillor

• League of Women Voters-Salem Ward 4 Coverage with candidate written statements.
• Outgoing Incumbent: John Harvey (running for At-Large seat)
• New Candidate: Tim Flynn, Emmylou Manwill

Policy Questionnaires

• League of Women Voters-Salem Policy Questionnaire Responses from Timothy Flynn and Emmylou Manwill.
• Progressive Massachusetts Policy Questionnaire Responses not returned by either candidate.
• The Salem Commoner/Abundant Housing Massachusetts Policy Questionnaire Responses not returned by either candidate.
• Witch City Action Policy Questionnaires not returned by either candidate.

Endorsements

• Tim Flynn: Salem Firefighters Local 172
• Emmylou Manwill: Massachusetts Alliance Rising Star, Massachusetts Women's Political Caucus, North Shore Labor Council, Run for Something, UAW Region 9A

Upcoming Ward 4 Candidate Forum

• Thursday, October 23, 6:00-7:00 PM. Community Life Center, 401 Bridge Street

Salem Ward 4 Candidate Forum — League of Women Voters–Salem

Salem Ward 4 Candidate Forum with the Ward 4 City Council Candidates tim flynn & emmylou manwill  The purpose of candidate forums is to provide a fair, informative, respectful, and inclusive platform for candidates and others to present their views to the public. The Salem Ward

League of Women Voters–SalemHome

Ward 5 Councillor

• League of Women Voters-Salem Ward 5 Coverage with candidate written statements and videos of candidate introductions and forum events.
• Outgoing Incumbent: Jeff Cohen
• New Candidates: Zach Calderón, Lydia King

Policy Questionnaires

• League of Women Voters-Salem Policy Questionnaire Responses from Zach Calderón and Lydia King
• Progressive Massachusetts Policy Questionnaire Responses from Zach Calderón and Lydia King
• The Salem Commoner/Abundant Housing Massachusetts Policy Questionnaire Responses from Zach Calderón and Lydia King.
• Witch City Action Policy Questionnaires not returned by either candidate.

Endorsements

• Zach Calderón: Current Ward 5 City Councilor Jeff Cohen, LGBTQ+ Victory Fund, Moms Demand Action Gun Sense Candidate
• Lydia King: 314 Action Fund, Abundant Housing Massachusetts, Massachusetts Alliance Rising Star, Massachusetts Nurses Association, Massachusetts Women's Political Caucus, Moms Demand Action Gun Sense Candidate, North Shore Labor Council, North Shore Middlesex PAC, Run for Something.

Ward 6 Councillor

• League of Women Voters-Salem Ward 6 Coverage with candidate written statements and videos of candidate introductions and forum events.
• Outgoing Incumbent: Megan Stott
• New Candidates: Robert Camire, Katelyn Holappa

Policy Questionnaires

• League of Women Voters-Salem Policy Questionnaire Responses from Katelyn Holappa. Not returned: Robert Camire.
• Progressive Massachusetts Policy Questionnaire Responses from Katelyn Holappa. Not returned: Robert Camire
• The Salem Commoner/Abundant Housing Massachusetts Policy Questionnaire Responses from Katelyn Holappa. Not returned: Robert Camire.
• Witch City Action Policy Questionnaire Responses from Katelyn Holappa. Not Returned: Robert Camire.

Endorsements

• Robert Camire: None found online.
• Katelyn Holappa: Abundant Housing Massachusetts, Massachusetts Women's Political Caucus,
  

Ward 7 Councillor

• Andrew W. Varela is running unopposed.
  

School Committee

• Three candidates are running for three seats.
• League of Women Voters-Salem School Committee Coverage
• Incumbent: Beth Anne Cooke-Cornell
• New Candidates: Yamily Byas, Meg Stout (currently Ward 6 Councillor)