When examining the mayoral candidates in the Worcester, MA elections, it is important to consider their backgrounds, policies, and vision for the city. Let's take a closer look at the leading candidates:

1. At-Large Councilor Khrystian King

(pictured here with the writer of this blog during the African Community Forum/Debate)

"I’m running for Mayor so that you and I can write the next chapter in Worcester’s history and build a City that is safe, sustainable, and affordable."

Khrystian E. King, LL.D, M.S.W., L.C.S.W. was born in Massachusetts, his parents emigrated from the island of Bermuda. He attended Holy Name and St. Peter-Marian high schools. He graduated from Wheaton College with a Bachelor of Arts in Social Psychology, and later earned his Master of Social Work from Simmons College and a Master of Public Administration certification (MPA)-in Public Management and Leadership from the Moakley Center for Public Management at Suffolk University. Khrystian has been a licensed social worker for the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families for the last 23 years. He has worked tirelessly to protect, support and empower children and their families throughout the Worcester Area. In 2016, Councilor King became the first African American man to serve as an elected official since 1936 and the first African American man to ever be elected city-wide. He is a cofounder of Black Families Together, a Worcester organization that addresses systematic racism. Read more about his candidacy HERE.

2. Guillermo Creamer

"Creating a Renaissance for all. Its time to elect a mayor who is committed to having a strong voice - someone with bold progressive ideas to lead the city forward." Guillermo is a local. He attended Elm Park Community School, Nativity School, and Bancroft School, he was educated by many of the best educators Worcester has to offer. As a co-founder of Pay Our Interns, a national nonprofit that has seismically shifted the internship realm throughout the United States, Guillermo has experienced diversity and inclusion firsthand. He most recently served as the Chair of the Human Rights Commission, ensuring Worcester’s equity lens always had a voice. Guillermo is a proud, openly gay man, Latinx individual, and outspoken national organizer. Read more about his candidacy HERE. 

3. Bill Coleman  

Coleman is a retired Educator. He is the most experienced mayoral candidate having previously worked as a legislative aide for U.S. Sen. Edward W. Brooke, the first Black person elected to the U.S. Senate by popular vote, in 1976. Coleman has run for mayor 12 times since 1991 and is the Host of the "This Is Worcester" show on WCCA TV. He is also a candidate for an at-large City Council seat. 

4. Mayor Joseph Petty

After losing the state Senate nomination last year to Senator Robyn Kennedy, there was speculation that he would not run again for mayor. He however later clarified he would run again citing "there is more work to do." He will be running for a seventh term for the mayoral seat.

5. At-Large Councilor Donna Colorio 

Colorio is running for the third time for mayor, and for an at-large city council seat. Colorio finished second in the mayoral race in 2021, which earned her the position of vice chair of the city council over the last two years. Had Joseph Petty won his bid for a state senate seat in 2022, it would have put her in line to become mayor. She was the last to join the mayoral race for the upcoming election.

It is essential to research each candidate further to gain a comprehensive understanding of their priorities, track records, and endorsements. Engaging with local news sources, attending candidate forums, and reviewing campaign websites are great ways to gather more information about the candidates.

Remember, the choice of a mayoral candidate should align with your values and the vision you have for the future of Worcester, MA.