Overview

• Unofficial totals put Jake Wilson at about 42% and Willie Burnley Jr. at 34%, with Katjana Ballantyne at 24% and eliminated.
• The incumbent’s preliminary defeat is rare in Massachusetts, reflecting voter frustration over housing costs, city services, and transparency, including a criticized library staffing episode.
• Wilson is emphasizing executive experience, citing leadership of Somerville Youth Soccer and his tenure as City Council finance chair.
• Burnley Jr. is highlighting lived renter experience and a progressive legislative record, proposing an Office of Social Housing and noting he would be the city’s first Black mayor if elected.
• Roughly 100 outstanding absentee and overseas ballots remain but are not expected to change the matchup, with turnout reported near 23% (about 12,400 ballots).