Matt Szafranski

In 2024, both Springfield's city council and school committee saw high-stakes debates and votes early on. How they navigated them, plus primary challenges and a drunk driving incident involving the Hampden County Sheriff, were some of the city's top political stories of the year. WAMC's Pioneer Valley Bureau Chief James Paleologopoulos spoke with Matt Szafranski, Editor-in-Chief of Western Mass. Politics & Insight, about how it all played out.

Sarno can extend his record tenure in office, Hurst would be the city's first Black mayor

First-term City Councilor Delmarina Lopez is running for mayor

Three prominent politicians including a well-funded incumbent are running

Two new Senators, two new House members join the western Mass delegation

City Councilor Justin Hurst announces run for mayor, others may follow to challenge Domenic Sarno's record-setting longevity.

Open seats are where voters have choices

Preliminary election is August 16, final on September 13

Most Springfield-area incumbents are unopposed for new terms in office

Berkshires would lose a House seat, Senate districts shift eastward