Salem Chief Of Staff To Run For Mayor In Potential Special Election

SALEM, MA — As a potential special election for Salem mayor looms to replace lieutenant governor candidate Kim Driscoll, Driscoll's Chief of Staff Dominick Pangallo is preparing to launch a bid for the city's top elected post if Driscoll wins statewide office in November.

Pangallo confirmed to Patch that he sent a letter to friends and supporters on Thursday telling them he is planning to run for mayor should the office be vacated.

"I share the belief of many that our city must build on the forward momentum of these past years," Pangallo told supporters. "I'm proud to have been part of the effort to make Salem the success story that it is today, alongside many others who made it possible. Together we've built a strong foundation for the future.

"But we can't give up on that work now, and we certainly can't go backward. We've made remarkable progress in creating a vibrant and well-run city that works for everyone."

Pangallo's campaign filed a statement of organization with the state Office of Campaign Finance and Committee on Thursday.

"We need to ensure that our next mayor shares the vision and the values that got us to where we are today," Pangallo said, "that they're prepared to manage our unique and complex city with skill, competence, and compassion, and that they're ready on day one to get to work on the many challenges and opportunities that we face."

A Salem native, Pangallo has served as Driscoll's Chief of Staff since 2013. Previously, he worked in marketing and community development in Hamilton, New York, and was a campaign manager for former U.S. Rep. John Tierney.

"I know that I can continue our forward progress, because it's the same work I've been doing, in collaboration with so many incredible partners,for the last decade," Pangallo said. "Together we've worked to solve problems and make a positive difference in the daily lives of our neighbors here in Salem, to professionalize how our city operates, and to make a thriving and vibrant community that works for and welcomes all.

"Now, should the opportunity present itself, I'm excited to honor that work and continue it forward."

If Driscoll wins in November and steps down as mayor, it will be the first special election for mayor in Salem since the city went to a four-year term for the office.

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