Brockton, Massachusetts — For the first time in Brockton’s history, Haitian Americans could gain control of the city government.
Jean Bradley Derenoncourt, a Haitian American, has qualified for the municipal election for mayor.
A historic moment unfolds in Brockton as a Haitian American candidate secures a spot in the city’s mayoral race for the second time.
Jean Bradley Derenoncourt, a political scientist, marked this significant achievement by securing second place behind Moises Rodrigues, who is of Cape Verdean origin.
The upcoming 2025 municipal election will make history as Brockton prepares to elect its first mayor of color.
The September 16 preliminary election saw two at-large city councilors emerge as clear frontrunners. Moises Rodrigues secured the lead with 3,090 votes (unofficial results), with Jean Bradley Derenoncourt following at 2,522 votes. These two candidates will compete in the November 4 general election.
Derenoncourt, who immigrated to Brockton from Haiti following the devastating 2010 earthquake, expressed his gratitude to voters and outlined his vision for unity. “It’s about us, the future of our community, the future of our kids and what we can do together, and what we can do to make Brockton stronger, safer, better for all of us,” he declared on election night outside Tamboo. “Since day one in this community, I have shown my willingness to serve you,” he added, according to The Enterprise News.
Rodrigues, himself an immigrant with Cape Verdean heritage, celebrated with supporters at Tutto Bene on the West Side, where he initiated his campaign’s next phase. “We have some work to do,” he stated. “But the work is to get people out to vote.” He emphasized community needs: “People want to see a city that’s responsive. A city that makes decisions about the issues we face here in this community,” reported The Enterprise News.
Both candidates emphasized their commitment to serving all Brockton residents, regardless of background. Rodrigues addressed supporters saying: “You guys are now all my cousins. All of you. It doesn’t matter if you’re from Cape Verde, from Haiti, from the U.S., from Puerto Rico, from wherever you are, we are all cousins.”
A Tightened Race: Key Numbers
The preliminary election reduced the original field of eight mayoral candidates to two finalists.
According to unofficial figures from the city’s Election Department, Rodrigues and Derenoncourt led decisively: Luz Villar garnered 536 votes, Richard Reid 366, Eugenie Kavanagh 176, Lawrence Fargo 108, Richard Wayne Ripley 80, and Haitian-American Carina Mompelas received 57 votes.
Voter participation, while remaining moderate, demonstrated an uptick compared to 2023. According to The Enterprise News, the Election Commission reported that by 6:30 p.m., turnout reached 8.8% of Brockton’s 68,639 registered voters — representing approximately 8,100 more voters than the previous municipal cycle. Election officials indicated that the implementation of automatic voter registration at the RMV might have played a role in this increase.
City Council and School Committee Races
Four additional Haitian-American candidates secured positions for the November general election in the at-large city council seat competition.
The eight advancing candidates, listed by vote count, are: David C. Teixeira (i) securing 3,081; Carla M. Darosa with 2,582; Winthrop H. Farwell Jr. (i) receiving 2,239; Judith Nelson garnering 1,757; Jeffrey Charnel obtaining 1,627; Michael JF Nunes with 1,273; Joseph Francois achieving 1,008; and Matthieu C. Delisme receiving 847.
The candidates who did not advance were Alix Arthur Gayaud (787), Jed Hresko (632), and Steven Clay (535).
In the School Committee contests, Ward 1 and 3 fields were narrowed. Ward 3 saw Matthew Stanton leading with 507 votes, surpassing incumbent Ana Oliver (430); Omega Corbett (101) was eliminated. In Ward 1, Stephen Pina (455) will challenge incumbent Jorge Vega (365), while Stephen Coleman O’Malley (295) did not advance.
Speaking to Enterprise News, Vega commented, “What we saw was a good race. I’m excited that I get to continue past the preliminaries.” He emphasized that Ward 1 voters now face “two very distinct options.” Stanton expressed gratitude to his supporters, stating: “Tomorrow, the hard work starts again and we’ll focus on November.”
Institutions and Timeline
In Brockton’s governmental structure, mayors, city councilors, and school committee members serve two-year terms, with the next term beginning January 2026.
Following Mayor Robert F. Sullivan’s decision not to pursue a fourth term, a new administrator will assume leadership in City Hall’s “corner office.” The City Council’s structure includes 11 members: four at-large positions and one representative from each of the seven wards.
The School Committee comprises seven ward representatives, with the mayor serving as the eighth voting member.
The Rodrigues–Derenoncourt contest represents an election of national symbolic importance: regardless of the outcome, Brockton will inaugurate its first mayor of color.
Beyond this historic milestone, residents express keen interest in seeing concrete progress in areas including public safety, fiscal transparency, school administration, and community unity.
As the campaign enters its final six weeks, both candidates maintain their focus on unity. Derenoncourt pledges to serve as a “mayor for all,” encompassing “Haitian, Cape Verdean, Italian, or Irish” residents. Rodrigues envisions “better days to come” and emphasizes, “The work is to get people out to vote.”
With Cape Verdeans constituting approximately 26% of Brockton’s population — representing the city’s largest immigrant community — and Haitians comprising about 23%, the election underscores the rising influence of immigrant groups. Initial polling suggests Rodrigues has garnered significant support among Haitian voters.
Should Haitian-American candidates unite their support base, the community could emerge as a decisive force in municipal governance.
Brockton, among Massachusetts’ major cities, stands at a pivotal moment in its history.
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Source: Enterprise News
