LYNN — Voters have elected Cardeliz Paez and Jordan T. Avery as the newest members of the Lynn City Council in Tuesday’s municipal election.
Both won their respective races in Wards 5 and 7, where incumbents Diana Chakoutis and Jay Walsh did not seek reelection.
In Ward 5, Paez defeated Josh Polonsky, earning 500 votes (53.71%) to Polonsky’s 431 votes (46.29%), according to unofficial results from all four precincts.
“Right now I’m super excited and grateful for all the support I’ve gotten along the way,” Paez said Tuesday night.
“I’m also anxious because I know there’s a lot of work to do, but I’m hopeful that we can get through it, and I’m excited to advocate for folks and create a Lynn we’re all happy to be in.”
Polonsky congratulated Paez on her victory.
“I appreciate the respect that we had for one another in this campaign. Ward 5 still wins after tonight. She will do a tremendous job. I appreciate my supporters that put their faith in me,” he said.
Ward 5 resident Roosevelt Hill said he supported Paez because “she’s a good spokesperson for the Hispanic community. She has a good heart, she’s transparent, and she cares about the city.”
In Ward 7, Avery won his race against Billy Devin Jr., receiving 686 votes (53.97%) to Devin’s 585 votes (46.03%).
“We set a clean campaign and vision. What set me apart was my proven track record. I love giving back and being involved. I’m excited to get to work for the people of our great city of Lynn. It starts today,” Avery said.
Ward 7 resident Valerie Deland said she voted for Avery because “he does so much for the city” and is “a really good person.”
In Ward 1, incumbent Dr. Peter Meaney defeated challenger Paul Gouthro, earning 1,482 votes (61.96%) to Gouthro’s 910 votes (38.04%).
For Councilor-at-Large, incumbents Hong L. Net, Brian P. LaPierre, Nicole D. McClain, and Brian M. Field all retained their seats, while challenger Jean Michael Fana finished fifth.
Mayor Jared C. Nicholson was reelected unopposed, receiving 5,851 votes (100%).
Other unopposed winners include: Ward 2 Councilor Obed A. Matul, Ward 3 Councilor Coco Alinsug, Ward 4 Councilor Natasha S. Megie-Maddrey, and Ward 6 Councilor Fred W. Hogan.
[Editor’s Note: Election offices begin reporting unofficial results soon after polls close. Those results are not final until they are canvassed and certified, a process that can take days or weeks. Results are final only when they are certified by the appropriate authorities.]
Unofficial Election Results — Lynn City Council (2025)
(29 of 30 precincts reported)
| Office | Candidate | Votes | % of Total Votes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mayor | Jared C. Nicholson | 5,851 | 100% |
| Councilor-at-Large | Hong L. Net | 4,186 | 22.37% |
| Brian P. LaPierre | 4,034 | 21.55% | |
| Nicole D. McClain | 4,005 | 21.40% | |
| Brian M. Field | 3,935 | 21.02% | |
| Jean Michael Fana | 2,556 | 13.66% | |
| Ward 1 Councilor | Dr. Peter Meaney | 1,482 | 61.96% |
| Paul Gouthro | 910 | 38.04% | |
| Ward 2 Councilor | Obed A. Matul | 807 | 100% |
| Ward 3 Councilor | Coco Alinsug | 605 | 100% |
| Ward 4 Councilor | Natasha S. Megie-Maddrey | 492 | 100% |
| Ward 5 Councilor | Cardeliz Paez | 500 | 53.71% |
| Josh Polonsky | 431 | 46.29% | |
| Ward 6 Councilor | Fred W. Hogan | 454 | 100% |
| Ward 7 Councilor | Jordan T. Avery | 686 | 53.97% |
| Billy Devin Jr. | 585 | 46.03% |
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A dog checks to see how its human voted in the Ward 7 city council race during Tuesday's election in Lynn.
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Residents cast their votes at the Breed Middle School polling location during Lynn's election on Tuesday.
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Lynn City Councilor-at-Large incumbent Brian Field campaigns outside Sisson Elementary School on Tuesday.
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Ward 7 City Council candidate Billy Devin, center, campaigns with his wife, Lynne, and Nick Constantino outside of Breed Middle School on Tuesday.
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Supporters of Lenny Peña, Jordan Avery, Billy Devin, and Brian Field campaign outside the Breed Middle School polling location during Lynn's election on Tuesday.
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Lynn City Councilor-at-Large incumbent Hong Net campaigns outside Sisson Elementary School on Tuesday.
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Supporters of Cardeliz Paex, Josh Polonsky, Hong Net, Brenda Ortiz McGrarth, Tristan Smith, and Lorraine Gately campaign outside the Ward 5 polling location in Lynn during Tuesday's election.
