Thomas Bowes Picks Up Nomination Papers To Run For Mayor

BRAINTREE, MA — Town Councilor Thomas Bowes picked up his nomination papers Tuesday to run for mayor, which means in just the two days the papers have been available, all four announced candidates have taken the first step in qualifying for November's ballot. School committee Chair Lisa Fiske Heger, At-Large Town Councilor Sean Powers, and Light Commissioner Thomas Reynolds all took out nomination papers Monday. All four candidates will compete for the seat, which became a wide open race after Mayor Joseph Sullivan announced he's not seeking reelection.

There's still time for other candidates to jump in the race. Anyone who wants to run can pick up nomination papers from the town clerk's office anytime before 5 p.m., on July 25.

The four candidates who've announced move on to the next step of securing their name on the ballot, which is gathering signatures from residents. Candidates have until 5 p.m. on July 30 to get their nomination papers signed by at least 150 Braintree residents. At least 25 of those signatures must come from each of the town's six districts.

If three or more candidates qualify for the ballot, Braintree will hold a preliminary election on Sept. 17 and narrow the field down to two candidates before the town election on Nov. 5.