Somerville mayor Katjana Ballantyne held the first event of her reelection campaign Monday, launching a bid for a third term.
Ballantyne was first elected mayor in 2021, before which she served four terms as city councilor for Ward 7.
Ballantyne face a field of four so far, all progressive, in September’s primary. Two City Council members, councilors at-large Jake Wilson and Willie Burnley Jr., have announced their intent to run, as has entrepreneur and startup founder Jason Mackey. Voters will face a choice between three legacy politicians and a self-described “outsider.”
At the campaign event at Tony C’s in Assembly Square, Ballantyne emphasized her record, citing accomplishments included the distribution of $9.5 million in rental assistance and support for schools, veterans and senior citizens.
She also cited work to increase pay for city employees. In February, the City Council approved $1.5 million to increase wages for the Somerville Municipal Employees Union’s Unit B, Somerville’s largest union, by up to 17 percent dating retroactively to 2023. A contract with the union had been signed by Ballantyne in January.
“Thanks to mayor Ballantyne we have a brighter future. Workers’ rights have been reestablished in Somerville,” said Brian Doherty, general agent of the Greater Boston Building Trades Unions, at Monday’s event.
Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll was also present. “You couldn’t have a stronger leader than mayor Ballantyne,” said Driscoll, who was elected in 2022 alongside governor Maura Healy and is a “longtime friend and colleague,” said Ballantyne’s campaign.
State Rep. Christine Barber hosted the event, according to Ballantyne’s campaign. Barber was elected in 2015 to represent the 34th Middlesex district, which includes Somerville’s Ward 7 and portions of Wards 4 and 6.
Promotional materials posted to Ballantyne’s Instagram page before the event listed a ticket price of $50 and suggested contributions ranging from $50 to $1,000. Donations were accepted via Somerville-based political finance platform ActBlue.
“Together, we have started to realize our shared vision of a more inclusive and equitable Somerville for all,” Ballantyne said on her ActBlue page. “From working to ensure that residents of our community have access to safe, stable, affordable housing to making strides to finally closing the gender wage gap,” we know “continued, collective efforts are still needed to secure Somerville’s future.”
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