LYNN — Voters in Lynn have elected two new members to the School Committee: Tristan J. Smith and Brenda Ortiz McGrath, both first-time winners who unseated an incumbent in Tuesday’s municipal election.
A total of nine candidates ran for six open seats. The returning members are Lorraine M. Gately, Andrea L. Satterwhite, Brian K. Castellanos, and Lenny Peña. Incumbent Sean Reid did not seek reelection, while Eric C. Dugan lost his seat. Challenger candidates Stacy Bryant-Brown and Julie Pyram Dorsey also came up short.
According to unofficial results from 29 of 30 precincts, Smith led the race with 3,609 votes (13.82%), followed by Gately with 3,351 votes (12.84%), Satterwhite with 3,332 votes (12.76%), Castellanos with 3,236 votes (12.39%), Ortiz McGrath with 3,046 votes (11.67%), and Peña with 2,992 votes (11.46%).
Dugan (2,541 votes, 9.73%), Bryant-Brown (2,537 votes, 9.72%), and Dorsey (1,464 votes, 5.61%) rounded out the field.
A total of 26,108 votes were cast, with 20,016 under votes and 12 over votes reported.
After learning he had topped the ticket, Smith said he was “elated” and grateful for the support.
“We built a campaign and platform that speaks to the needs of all Lynn students, and I think that was reflected in the votes tonight. Now the easy part is over, and the hard work begins,” Smith said.
Smith, who is serving in elected office for the first time, emphasized collaboration and listening as his top priorities.
“It starts with listening. This is my first time as an elected official, so there’s going to be a learning curve no matter what, but especially in Lynn Public Schools. We have a new superintendent coming in, we have a lot of new initiatives occurring in the schools, all of them potentially positive. For me it begins with listening to students, teachers, parents, and making sure their needs are being met,” Smith said.
Ortiz McGrath expressed both gratitude and excitement after securing her seat on the committee.
“I’m beyond excited and humbled. I’m really proud of the campaign that we ran. This is the work that I love and am excited to do. I’m ready for the challenge, and I am ready to support our students, families, and educators,” she said.
She added that she looks forward to working collaboratively with her fellow committee members.
“I am ready to work with a wonderful team. This is the work that matters in making sure we are improving student outcomes in our district, and making sure our students and educators have access to resources, tools, and support they need,” Ortiz McGrath said.
Outgoing member Eric Dugan offered well wishes to the new committee members.
“During my time on the committee, I served with integrity for the students of Lynn, and I expect the new members to do the same,” Dugan said.
Ward 7 resident Frank Leydon said he voted for Smith because he is “very talented” and “does a lot for St. Mary’s.”
Meanwhile, Ward 5 resident Wanda Lopez praised Ortiz McGrath’s leadership and presence.
“Anyone who has seen her knows she has a very strong presence when she speaks. She is one of those people you want to listen to. You never get tired of what she’s saying,” Lopez said.
[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 (School Committee)
(29 of 30 precincts reported)
| Candidate | Votes | % of Total Votes |
|---|---|---|
| Tristan J. Smith | 3,609 | 13.82% |
| Lorraine M. Gately | 3,351 | 12.84% |
| Andrea L. Satterwhite | 3,332 | 12.76% |
| Brian K. Castellanos | 3,236 | 12.39% |
| Brenda Ortiz McGrath | 3,046 | 11.67% |
| Lenny Peña | 2,992 | 11.46% |
| Eric C. Dugan | 2,541 | 9.73% |
| Stacy Bryant-Brown | 2,537 | 9.72% |
| Julie Pyram Dorsey | 1,464 | 5.61% |
Under Votes: 20,016
Over Votes: 12
Total Ballots Counted: 26,108
Lynn School Committee challenger Tristan Smith campaigns outside Sisson Elementary School with School Committee incumbent Lorraine Gately and her son, Michael.
