Brian Gomes to appear on New Bedford’s Mayoral and at-Large ballots on Oct. 1

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After missing the 5 pm deadline to withdraw for mayor on Tuesday, long-time New Bedford at-Large city councilor Brian Gomes will appear on both the mayoral and at-Large City Councilor ballot on October 1.

Gomes officially filed to run for mayor and at-Large and had until Tuesday at 5 pm to continue to run in both races or just one. It was clear at Tuesday’s press conference that his intention was to withdraw from the mayor’s race and only run in the at-Large race, but he didn’t sign the withdrawal papers until a minute or two past the 5:00 pm deadline.

New Bedford Election Commissioner Manny DeBrito was on scene and stated that a notary of public was also needed and the deadline was missed. During the press conference, Gomes stated his intention was to continue the withdrawal through the elections office and Massachusetts Secretary of State, but that appears to have been denied. According to DeBrito, Gomes will officially be listed on the ballot for mayor and at-large.

While candidates can run in multiple races, they can’t legally serve in both positions. If Gomes wins both races he would have to choose which office to fill. DeBrito provides some clarity should Gomes with both races.

“If Gomes were to choose to serve as Councilor-at-Large, there would be a special election for the position of Mayor, stated DeBrito. “If he were to choose to serve as mayor, the vacancy in the Councilor-at-Large position would be filled by a majority vote of the remaining members of the City Council.”

Six residents officially filed to run for Mayor of New Bedford by the August 30 deadline. Four-term incumbent Jon Mitchell, Michael Medeiros, Richard Tyson Moultrie, Jose Perez, and David Pimental will face-off with Gomes in the October 1 preliminary election. The top two vote-getters in the preliminary election will move on to the November 5 municipal election.

About Michael Silvia

Served 20 years in the United States Air Force. Owner of New Bedford Guide.

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