The Haitian communities in Massachusetts appear more determined than ever to secure representation at the municipal level across major cities in the Bay State.
For the upcoming November 4 municipal elections, more than a dozen candidates of Haitian origin are running for office. This demonstrates the Haitian community’s commitment to establishing a voice in local politics. However, this could potentially backfire, as multiple candidates are competing for the same positions in certain municipalities.
In Boston, at least four candidates of Haitian descent are running for office.
Ruthzee Louijeune
Ruthzee Louijeune, the first Haitian-American elected as a city councilor in Boston, is seeking a third term.
Through her work as a community leader and her distinguished academic achievements, Ruthzee Louijeune has garnered significant support from Massachusetts’s Democratic establishment.
A Harvard Law School graduate, Ruthzee was first elected in 2021. Since then, she has continued to excel in the Boston City Council, rising to become its president.
Arriving in third position during her first campaign in 2021, Ruthzee was comfortably re-elected in 2023, securing more votes than all other contenders.
Four candidates are elected to Boston’s City Council At-Large. For her third term, Ruthzee won’t be the only representative of Haitian descent. The president of the Boston City Council will be joined by two other prominent members of the Haitian community.
Marvin D. Mathelier
A U.S. Army veteran, Marvin D. Mathelier is the son of Haitian immigrants well-known in Boston’s Haitian community for their dedication to immigrant causes. He currently serves as the director of the Toussaint Louverture Cultural Center, the first Haitian center of its kind in all of New England (Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont).
Marvin Mathelier emphasizes his ability to connect with all major sectors of the city. He notably cites his success in realizing a 20-year-old project by raising funds that enabled the center he directs to secure new premises. At the Boston City Council, Marvin Mathelier intends to address the major challenges facing Boston, as stated on his campaign website.
“I am running for City Council because we need bold and sustainable solutions, not temporary measures. City Hall must serve the citizens, not special interests. Together, we can build a Boston that’s accessible to all, improve our schools, and ensure safety in our streets.”
Yves Mary Jean
A well-known figure in Boston’s Haitian community, Yves Mary Jean also aims to secure one of the four At-Large seats on the Boston City Council.
Holding a master’s degree in Political Science from the prestigious Suffolk University, Yves Mary Jean is also a novelist. He has held several positions at Boston City Hall, particularly in the education sector. To win the election, Yves plans to focus his campaign on one of the city’s crucial issues: housing.
“Affordable housing is my absolute priority. I am committed to advocating for policies that protect tenants and provide families with the stability they deserve. I am also determined to improve transportation and ensure our seniors receive the care and attention they deserve.”
Four positions are open for Boston’s City Council At-Large, and five in the districts. “They are responsible for representing their constituents, developing and adopting city policies, as well as overseeing the city’s budget and operations.”
In less than two months, on September 9th, the top four candidates for City Council At-Large will be selected during the “non-partisan” primaries. Five other district city councilors will also be elected. The general elections will be held on November 7th. However, these elections will be largely symbolic for city councilors already elected during the September 9th primaries.
Besides Boston, Haitians are also well-represented in Brockton’s municipal election. In total, 5 candidates are running, including two for mayor and three for City Council At-Large.
Winston Pierre
In District Five, which encompasses Hyde Park, Mattapan, and portions of Readville and Roslindale, a contest will unfold between two historical neighbors. Haitian-born Winston Pierre will face incumbent councilor Enrique Pepén, who is the son of Dominican immigrants.
On his website, Winston Pierre presents himself as a conciliatory candidate, ready to listen and work towards his community’s advancement.
“From my first job at Fenway Park to my internships at Beacon Hill and the Capitol, I’ve witnessed firsthand the power of opportunity. When doors open, entire lives can be transformed. That’s why I’m running for Boston City Council: to be a voice for all neighborhoods, someone who listens, understands, and fights for real, lasting progress.”
Brockton
Jean Bradley Derenoncourt
Jean Bradley Derenoncourt is a familiar face in Brockton’s electoral landscape. He has been participating in elections since 2017, when he surprised many by securing fourth place with 5,256 votes, earning a seat on the City Council At-Large. Two years later (2019), he attempted to run for mayor but was defeated in the primaries. The same scenario played out in 2021 when he ran for city councilor. However, in 2023, he made a strong comeback to the City Council At-Large. In 2025, the Port-au-Prince native still believes it’s possible to win Brockton’s mayoral position. Better equipped this time, Derenoncourt intends to capitalize on his achievements on the city council.
“During his tenure on the City Council, he has committed to improving services for seniors, ensuring adequate funding for education, strengthening the city’s presence among Brockton’s youth, advocating for downtown revitalization, and expanding voter registration opportunities for residents,” he wrote on his campaign website. “He hopes to continue this work as Brockton’s next mayor,” he added.
However, this year’s primary elections could prove particularly challenging for Mr. Derenoncourt, as he will be joined by another candidate of Haitian descent.
Carina Mompelas
Limited information is available about Carina Mompelas, a candidate for mayor of Brockton.
Listed as a mayoral candidate on Brockton’s official city website, Carina Mompelas is not new to mayoral elections.
In a brief interview broadcast on The Brockton Channel, Ms. Mompelas acknowledged that “changing a city is not an easy task,” but believes it’s possible with adequate resources. “I’m a fighter. I’ve battled cancer, I’ve overcome many challenges in my life. And through it all, I’ve never given up,” she declared during a 2019 debate.
Despite her young age, Carina Mompelas is no stranger to political experience. She notably ran for Plymouth County Treasurer in 2020, making a strong impression by garnering 98,050 votes, although she was ultimately defeated by Thomas J. O’Brien.
Our editorial team has been unable to find additional information about Ms. Mompelas’s background. The website mentioned on her Facebook profile is non-functional, and our attempts to reach her through any of the listed phone numbers have been unsuccessful.
Alongside Jean Bradley Derenoncourt and Carina Monpelas, three other candidates of Haitian descent are vying for Councilor at-Large positions in Brockton.
Jeff Charnel
Jeff Charnel is a commercial banker and community leader deeply involved in his city’s development, according to the biography published on his campaign website. As Chairman of the License Commission and an active member of several local boards, he has spent years working to make municipal services more accessible, advocating for small businesses, and fostering a new generation of civic leaders.
“My goal is to bring concrete solutions and community-centered leadership to Brockton City Hall,” he states.
Matthieu C. Delisme
Mathieu C. Delisme, also running for one of the four Councilor at-Large seats, appears to base his campaign on a spiritual and civic-minded approach.
In a trilingual message – in English, French, and Spanish – posted on his website, he officially announces his candidacy and addresses voters: “Vote, Vota, Votar Matthieu Delisme – Brockton Councilor At Large.”
He introduces his announcement with a religious proclamation: “This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it!”
Known for his community engagement, Mr. Delisme aims to bring renewal to the city council.
Alix Arthur Gayaud
Limited information is available about Alix Arthur Gayaud. In a video published in 2023 on his YouTube channel, he expressed his desire to represent “the voiceless” and leverage his community involvement to win over Brockton voters.
He announced his focus on addressing homelessness, housing, public education, and public transportation issues. This year, he is running again for the same position, determined to champion these same priorities in 2025.
Everett City Councilor at-Large
In the city of Everett, City Councilor at-Large Guerline Alcy, also known as Guerline Jabouin Alcy, is seeking re-election.
Like Alix Arthur Gayaud, she expresses her commitment to continue representing “the voiceless.” Her priorities remain focused on advocating for better housing accessibility, improving public transportation, and enhancing senior care services.
“Currently, too many people in our city feel left behind, invisible, and forgotten. Residents are struggling with rising rents and mortgage payments. Senior citizens and small business owners feel abandoned. The homeless population is growing, and more people are lining up for food and shelter,” she wrote in a detailed message posted on her Facebook page.
Randolph City Councilor at-Large
In the city of Randolph, home to a significant Haitian immigrant community, two compatriots are competing for City Council positions.
Randolph – Two Haitian Candidates in the Running
In Randolph, a city with a substantial Haitian community, two haitian americans are vying for positions as Councilor at-Large.
Natacha Clerger
Already elected to this position, Natacha Clerger has officially launched her re-election campaign for the Randolph Town Council.
“I commit to maintaining my focus during my future term on education, safety, community outreach, property taxes, economic development, immigration, and water quality,” she declared.
Ms. Clerger emphasizes her tireless work over the past two years with all city stakeholders: elected officials, business leaders, and religious leaders. Her goal is to adapt municipal institutions to the current realities faced by residents.
“I have worked relentlessly with all stakeholders in Randolph […] to modernize the city’s institutions to better meet citizens’ expectations,” she added.
A well-known figure in the region’s Haitian diaspora, Ms. Clerger aims to once again mobilize voters around a program focused on efficiency, equity, and inclusion. Guerlince Semerzier
Guerlince Semerzier
For his second bid, Guerlince Semerzier stands out with his remarkable professional background in both non-profit and private sectors. He has held positions in non-profit organizational development, executive coaching, and project management, with expertise in education, health, and community work.
“I firmly believe that public service must be built on an inclusive vision, rooted in listening to citizens’ real needs,” he states.
His reputation extends beyond Massachusetts thanks to his numerous media appearances, conference presentations, publications, and teaching engagements. Mr. Semerzier aims to strengthen the Haitian diaspora’s political representation and build bridges between community, economic, and institutional spheres.
A Historic Representation at Stake for the Haitian Diaspora
If all these candidates were to be elected, the Haitian community would achieve unprecedented representation in several key Massachusetts cities: Boston, Brockton, Everett, and Randolph.
However, the strong presence of Haitian candidates could also fragment the community vote and reduce the overall chances of securing more seats, particularly in Brockton. In this city, two candidates of Haitian origin are also running for mayor, and several others for city council at large.
Voters can select up to four candidates for at-large city council positions. However, historical data shows that voters often don’t fully utilize all four of their votes, which could work against achieving stronger representation.
It’s important to note that this list is not exhaustive. It’s highly likely that other candidates, not identified by our editorial team, are also engaged in the electoral race. We have no intention of minimizing or ignoring the candidacy of our compatriots who aspire to represent their communities within the Commonwealth.
