Who’s running for City Council, School Board in South Portland
South Portland heads to the polls in 2026, with voters deciding on city council, school board, mayor, and statewide offices
Residents of South Portland will cast ballots on Tuesday, October 31, 2026, for new city councilors and school board members, as well as statewide contests for governor and U.S. Senate. Those who prefer to vote by mail or in person at City Hall can do so through October 29. City Hall will be open to absentee voters Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
City Council
| District | Candidate | Status | Background and priorities |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Carter Scott | Unopposed for re‑election | 20‑year resident, former Land Trust board member and PTA leader; stresses sustainability—environmental and economic—amid a growing city. |
| 2 | Ellen Clancy | Unopposed, first‑time candidate | Focuses on limiting tax increases, tightening the budget, and finding new revenue streams to keep the city affordable. |
| 5 | John Holman III | First‑time candidate | Production supervisor with a decade in the community; advocates for affordable housing, better revenue generation, youth outreach, and lifting the ban on flavored tobacco sales. |
The incumbent mayor, Elyse Tipton, is running for a second term in District 5. Tipton, who has served four terms on the school board before joining the council in 2023, promotes affordable living, expanded city services, and stronger ties between the school department and city government.
South Portland School Board
At‑Large Seats (two positions)
- Eleni Richardson – incumbent, campaigning for fiscal stability, equitable elementary‑school reconfiguration, and a clearer technology‑in‑the‑classroom agenda.
- Wheeler Boyd‑Boffa – data‑analytics consultant and parent of two elementary students; his platform emphasizes budget stabilization, educational equity, staff morale, and explicit classroom technology rules.
- Stephanie Edwards – special‑education teacher and parent; prioritizes fiscal responsibility, support for educators and students, and transparent board communications.
- Ishmeel Davis – candidate, running for an at‑large seat (platform details not yet announced).
District Five Seat
- Carlton “Carl” Parsons – renter, parent, and community organizer; his focus is on backing working‑class families and children, amplifying marginalized voices, and ensuring long‑term financial stability.
Voting logistics
- Absentee ballots: Residents can request or pick up an absentee ballot, or vote in person at City Hall, until October 29.
- In‑person absentee voting times: 7:30 a.m.–5 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday; 9 a.m.–5 p.m. on Tuesday.
- Regular business hours at City Hall: 7:30 a.m.–5 p.m. (Mon, Wed, Thu) and 9 a.m.–5 p.m. (Tue).
The upcoming election also includes statewide questions on governor and U.S. Senate, giving South Portland residents the chance to shape the political direction of the state while selecting local leaders to manage city growth, fiscal health, and public services.
