Jacobs and Fenton compete for western Massachusetts seat on Governor's Council

Tara Jacobs and Michael Fenton are competing in a Democratic primary scheduled for September 1 to represent western Massachusetts on the Governor's Council, a state body that approves all judges, clerk magistrates, and Parole Board members. Jacobs, the incumbent, defeated Fenton by fewer than 2,300 votes in their first matchup in 2022 and ran unopposed in 2024. Fenton, a Springfield attorney and former City Council president, is returning with backing from district attorneys, state lawmakers, and local Democratic officials.

The Governor's Council, which dates to the colonial era, has largely operated outside public attention despite wielding significant power over the state's criminal legal system. The council approves or denies all requests for pardons and commutations and oversees appointments to the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court, Parole Board, and Appellate Tax Board. District 8, the largest of eight council districts, covers Berkshire, Hampshire, Hampden, and Franklin counties. Because no Republican candidates are running this year, the primary winner will almost certainly hold the seat after November's general election.

Fenton, 39, has spent 15 years practicing law and served eight terms on Springfield's City Council, five as president. He argues that his background as an attorney and local official qualifies him for the role and points to his work on justice initiatives, including creating a civilian police commission ordinance in Springfield. Hampden County Clerk of Courts Laura Gentile endorsed Fenton, saying that judges appointed to the council should have experience practicing before judges.

Fenton acknowledged that his work as a transactional lawyer rather than a litigator means he rarely appears in court. He said this actually prevents conflicts of interest, as he would never appoint someone before whom he has practiced. He identified underrepresentation of western Massachusetts on state boards as a priority, noting that the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court, Parole Board, and Appellate Tax Board currently have no members from the region. He also promised to address judicial vacancies proactively before they accumulate.

Jacobs countered that western Massachusetts faces structural barriers to filling judicial positions because it receives far fewer applications than the eastern part of the state. She said the region currently has no vacancies in the Superior Court circuit, "a historic accomplishment," and that she conducted community outreach to recruit applicants beyond the formal scope of her duties. She also called on Gov. Maura Healey's administration in March to increase judicial nominations and address backlogs.

Last year, five of the eleven Superior Court seats in western Massachusetts were vacant, straining local courts. All five have since been filled. Fenton cited those vacancies as evidence that the region needs a more active advocate on the council, while Jacobs highlighted her role in ultimately resolving them.

Fenton's campaign has received contributions from Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno, U.S. Rep. Richard Neal, state Rep. Thomas Petrolati, and former Easthampton Mayor Nicole LaChapelle. He also has endorsements from Hampden District Attorney Anthony Gulluni and Berkshire District Attorney Timothy Shugrue. Jacobs' campaign shows less support from major Democratic officials.