'Break The Rules': Seeds Of Change In Salem 2023 Election Vote

SALEM, MA — While a sparsity of contested races across the Salem municipal elections in 2023 did not necessarily lend itself to a sea change in the Witch City, newly elected City Councilor Kyle Davis is hoping that his successful challenge for an At-Large seat is a sign that younger residents are starting to get their voices heard.

Davis finished fourth in the At-Large race, narrowly beating out sitting City Councilor Domingo Dominguez. He was part of a loose coalition of newer, progressive candidates that also included At-Large candidate Filipe Zamborlini, Ward 1 candidate Chris Malstrom and School Committee candidates Veronica Miranda, AJ Hoffman and Henry Mehmet Gülergün.

"Renters, waiters and people in their 20s aren't supposed to run for office and they aren't supposed to win," Davis said in a message to Patch on Wednesday. "Thank you for coming on this journey with me to break the rules and give communities with a lack of representation a seat at the table."

Miranda was elected to the School Committee for the first time after she was appointed to an open seat after Jim Fleming moved out of the city this past spring, while Hoffman was elected to an open seat.

"It felt momentous," Miranda posted of the coalition on Wednesday. "It feels like the start of something really great for Salem."

Davis previously attempted to unseat State Sen. Joan Lovely (D-Salem) in a primary challenge last year.

"I am committed to everything that we set out to accomplish together," Davis said. "Now I trust you to hold me accountable, to not let me forget why I ran and make sure that I continue to be the loud activist, passionate about helping people that you helped to elect."

Cindy Jerzylo was able to outpace Malstrom in the race for the open Ward 1 seat after Robert McCarthy decided not to seek re-election, while John Harvey won the open Ward 4 seat created when Lev McClain opted not to run for a second term.

Caroline Watson-Felt held off a challenge from Christopher Fuccione in Ward 2, while former City Council Chair Patti Morsillo bested challenger Joseph Cultrera in Ward 3.

"Thank you Ward 3," Morsillo said on Wednesday. "I appreciate your support and look forward to working together for the next two years."

"Election Days are always full of big energy and excitement," Watson-Felt said. "Thanks to all the
voters, candidates, and volunteers who engaged in this election season. And, thank you to the voters of Ward 2 who continue to trust in my ability to represent you. Here's to another 2 years."

Ty Hapworth was re-elected to an At-Large seat, along with Alice Merkl and Conrad Prosniewski.

"I'm incredibly humbled and grateful to the people of Salem for electing me to a third term," Hapworth posted on his social media on Wednesday. "A big shoutout to all the volunteers and supporters who made this campaign possible. Congratulations to my colleagues who won re-election and to the newly elected councillors, Cindy Jerzylo, John Harvey, and Kyle Davis.

"Together, let's forge ahead with a shared commitment to selflessly serve the people of Salem. I'm so optimistic about this city's future."

Davis said the showings of not only himself, Miranda and Hoffman in victory, but of Malstrom, Zamborlini and Gülergün in the support they were able to garner in defeat, was a sign that the housing and access challenges facing younger, newer residents of the city — including those from non-traditional political backgrounds — are gaining traction among voter priorities.

"I look forward to our many future conversations and learning from his experience both lived and professional when it comes to housing to make sure that I have the tools to be the best and most effective councilor I can be," Davis said of Zamborlini. "It is far from the end of any of their stories and the election being over means it's time for the real work to begin."

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. X/Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)