Somerville, September 17, 2025
News Summary
In a surprising turn of events, Somerville Mayor Katjana Ballantyne has been ousted in the preliminary mayoral election. Unofficial results show City Councilors Jake Wilson and Willie Burnley Jr. advancing to the runoff scheduled for November 4, with Wilson securing around 42% of the votes followed by Burnley at 34%. This electoral shift reflects growing voter dissatisfaction with the current administration. The upcoming runoff will determine the city’s next mayor amidst rising living costs and local development issues.
Somerville — Mayor Katjana Ballantyne was ousted in the preliminary mayoral election held Tuesday, with unofficial results showing she failed to advance to the November runoff. City Councilor Jake Wilson and City Councilor Willie Burnley Jr. will face each other in the citywide election on November 4.
Key results and what happened first
With 100% of precincts reporting, the unofficial totals placed Jake Wilson as the top vote-getter with about 42% of the vote, followed by Willie Burnley Jr. at 34%. Mayor Katjana Ballantyne received about 23%, finishing at least 10 percentage points behind each challenger. Ballantyne conceded the race around 10 p.m. at a local establishment in Somerville.
Elections officials indicated there are roughly 100 absentee, overseas, and dropbox ballots yet to be counted; those ballots are not expected to change which two candidates advance to the November runoff.
Immediate implications
The preliminary outcome means that Ballantyne, who was first elected in 2021 and served two terms, will not appear on the November ballot. Jake Wilson and Willie Burnley Jr. will compete in the citywide runoff scheduled for November 4. The result reflects a shift in voter preference and will determine Somerville’s next mayor.
Why voters moved away from the incumbent
Voter sentiment cited in the aftermath pointed to dissatisfaction with the perceived pace of action by the current administration and communication challenges. Other factors influencing voters included rising living costs and local development issues, with many residents expressing a desire for fresh leadership and new approaches to city governance.
Profiles of the two runoff candidates
Jake Wilson, 48, comes from a background in sports media and served on the City Council. His campaign focused on addressing perceived dysfunction in City Hall, improving city services, prioritizing housing affordability, and increasing transparency through measures such as weekly office hours.
Willie Burnley Jr., 31 and the youngest candidate in the race, campaigned on tackling the housing crisis and advancing progressive policies. If elected, Burnley would become the city’s first Black mayor and the first openly queer and polyamorous mayor, marking historic milestones for Somerville.
Other election outcomes and civic participation
Results for City Councilor At Large and Ward elections showed that several challengers failed to advance, while many incumbents retained stronger positions. Voter turnout and visible enthusiasm at polling sites and campaign events indicated strong community engagement in local governance decisions.
Context and administration record
Ballantyne succeeded longtime Mayor Joe Curtatone, who stepped down after 18 years in office. During her tenure, the city maintained a AAA bond rating and advanced several development projects, including the Somernova business park. Despite these accomplishments, a portion of the electorate prioritized different policy directions and leadership style going forward.
What comes next
Officials will finalize counting of the remaining ballots and certify the preliminary results before the November 4 runoff. The upcoming citywide election will determine who will lead the city through its next term and address pressing local issues such as housing affordability, development management, and municipal services.
Reaction and community response
Supporters of the advancing candidates celebrated results that they characterized as a mandate for change, while some attendees at the incumbent’s concession gathering expressed shock and disappointment. Overall, the preliminary vote demonstrated active civic participation and a clear appetite among many voters for new leadership and approaches to city management.
FAQ
Who advanced to the November runoff?
City Councilors Jake Wilson and Willie Burnley Jr. advanced to the November 4 runoff after placing first and second in the preliminary election.
What were the unofficial vote percentages?
Unofficial results with all precincts reporting show Jake Wilson at about 42%, Willie Burnley Jr. at about 34%, and Mayor Katjana Ballantyne at about 23%.
Are any ballots still outstanding?
Approximately 100 absentee, overseas, and dropbox ballots remain to be counted, and officials expect these are unlikely to change which candidates advance.
When is the runoff election?
The citywide runoff is scheduled for November 4.
Why did the incumbent lose?
Voter concerns cited slower perceived progress on city issues, communication challenges, rising living costs, and development disputes as reasons for seeking new leadership.
What would be historic about Willie Burnley Jr.’s potential election?
If elected, Burnley would be Somerville’s first Black mayor and the first openly queer and polyamorous mayor.
Quick reference table
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Preliminary top results | Jake Wilson ~42%; Willie Burnley Jr. ~34%; Katjana Ballantyne ~23% |
| Precincts reporting | 100% reported (unofficial) |
| Outstanding ballots | About 100 absentee, overseas, and dropbox ballots |
| Runoff date | November 4 |
| Incumbent | Katjana Ballantyne — first elected 2021, two terms served |
| Top challenger profiles | Jake Wilson, 48, sports media background; Willie Burnley Jr., 31, youngest candidate, progressive platform |
| Potential historic milestone | Willie Burnley Jr. could become Somerville’s first Black mayor and first openly queer and polyamorous mayor |
| Key issues in race | Housing affordability, development, rising living costs, city services, transparency |
| Notable city achievements under Ballantyne | Maintained AAA bond rating; ongoing development including Somernova business park |
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Additional Resources
- Boston Globe: Somerville Mayor Race Results
- Cambridge Day: Somerville Elections
- Boston.com: Somerville’s New Cat Mayor
- NBC Boston: Somerville Cat Mayor Elected
- Boston Globe: Cat Mayor and the Bike Path
- Wikipedia: Somerville, Massachusetts
- Google Search: Somerville Mayor Election 2025
- Google Scholar: Somerville Elections
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Somerville
- Google News: Somerville Mayor Results
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