Uncertain Future For Candidate In Framingham's Only Contested Preliminary Race

FRAMINGHAM, MA — The city's preliminary election ballot was looking almost as light as it could when it was announced the District 9 council race would appear on the ballot in three precincts.

But there was almost an unexpected turn that made the ballot look even lighter.

In a video posted to his Facebook page, city council candidate Jose Ferreira announced that he would remove himself from contention in the race against incumbent City Councilor Tracey Bryant and challenger Albert J. Chimeno.

Preliminary races are only held when three candidates are in the running for a particular seat. However, Ferreira's name is still set to appear on the ballot despite his recent decision.

According to City Clerk Lisa Ferguson, the city didn't receive any written withdrawal notification by the Aug. 2 deadline.

Over the phone on Monday afternoon, Ferreira confirmed that he fully intended to withdraw himself from the race, but also confirmed that he missed the deadline to file paperwork.

So what are the next steps for him?

Ferreira said he's no longer actively campaigning and has stopped taking donations as well. His name will still appear on the ballot but, should he be garner the first or second most votes in the preliminary election — something he doesn't believe will happen — it'll be a "family decision" what he does next.

The city will host the preliminary election on Sept. 19, when voters in Precincts 1, 2 and 3 will go to Harmony Grove Elementary School to cast their ballots. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on that day.

There will be a number of contested races during the Nov. 7 election, and a full list of candidates can be viewed here.

Seats up for election in 2023 include:

• 11 City Councilor seats
• 9 School Committee seats
• 6 Library Trustee seats
• 2 Cemetery Trustee seats

There are nine district seats available on the City Council and School Committee, and those candidates will be running for two-year terms.

Seats on the Boards of Library and Cemetery Trustees, as well as two at-large city councilors, are for four-year terms.