Springfield councilor Fenton loses second bid for Governor's Council seat
The Springfield councilor won Hampden County but fell short in Berkshire, Hampshire, and Franklin counties, where voters favored the incumbent from North Adams.
SPRINGFIELD — Springfield City Councilor and attorney Michael Fenton lost his second bid for the Eighth District seat on the Governor's Council in the Sept. 1 state primary, finishing behind incumbent Tara Jacobs of North Adams. Jacobs secured roughly 62% of the vote and will serve a third term on the board that confirms the governor's judicial nominees and approves nominations for parole board positions and similar roles. No Republican challenger appeared on the ballot for November.
Fenton won decisively in Hampden County but attributed his overall loss to what he called "geographic politics," saying voters in the district's other three counties showed a preference for a candidate from Berkshire County. The Eighth District encompasses Hampden, Berkshire, Hampshire, and Franklin counties. Despite securing endorsements from Berkshire County officials including District Attorney Timothy Shugrue, Sheriff Thomas Bowler, and Clerk of Courts Lisa Denault-Viale, Fenton could not overcome his geographic disadvantage.
Fenton captured Springfield with 64% of the vote, though the city's turnout failed to reach 12%. He also won Chicopee with 58% and West Springfield with more than 55%, and narrowly carried Westfield. Jacobs dominated key communities outside Hampden County, including Northampton, Amherst, Pittsfield, North Adams, Greenfield, South Hadley, and Easthampton.
Fenton, who has one year remaining on his City Council term, declined to say whether he would seek the position again. "I'm definitely not in a position to say that tonight," he told supporters gathered at City Line Café in Springfield's Hungry Hill neighborhood. He reiterated his commitment to public service and said he would continue working to improve his community.
Fenton also lost to Jacobs in 2022 in a four-way primary race that included attorneys Shawn Allyn and Jeffery Morneau. Jacobs said in a social media post that her victory was "powered by the people" and thanked supporters for helping voters understand the Governor's Council's role and importance.