Ward 5
Vote at the Saltonstall School Auditorium, 211 Lafayette St.
Preliminary Election: 16 September | Distrito Uno Eleccion Preliminar: 16 Septiembre
General Election: 4 November | Eleccion General: 4 Noviembre
Zach Calderon
Candidate Statement: With a career in government affairs spanning from the House Armed Services Committee in Congress to the Ipswich River Watershed Association, I know what good government looks like - and what it doesn't. Now, I’m ready to bring that experience to City Hall and deliver real, measurable change for Ward 5.
Top Priorities:
Climate resilience
Transportation and traffic calming
Workers rights and labor protections
Website: https://www.zachcalderon.com/
John hunt
Candidate Statement: I know what it’s like to need help. Growing up, my family often relied on public services to help get by. I’m running to ensure everyone has access to safe, affordable housing and a city government that truly works for its people. I’ll always put people first because I’ve been there.
Top Priorities:
Affordable Housing for all
Expanded and improved public transit options to help create safer streets
Bringing Ranked Choice Voting to Salem
Website: www.votejohnhunt.com
lydia king
Candidate Statement: Through her community organizing work with the Salem Education Foundation, Solidarity Rising, and the North Shore labor community, Lydia has tirelessly advocated for affordable housing, education funding, workers' rights, and civil rights. Lydia was raised in a union household in Lynn and is running to make working-class issues a priority.
Top Priorities:
Affordable Housing
Climate Resiliency
Traffic Calming
Website: www.lydiaforsalem.com/
Fred Norton
Candidate Statement: I bring experience in food security, housing advocacy, and community partnerships, and I devised a transportation program studied by Harvard Kennedy School. Salem deserves leadership that listens, explains policy clearly, and acts with equity. My focus is on practical solutions that protect rights, build trust, and deliver results. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Top Priorities:
Affordable homes for working families. Every family deserves a safe, stable place to live, and we need policies that make housing attainable for the people who keep Salem running.
Stronger services that treat people with dignity. From food access to transportation, our systems should not just meet needs, but respect the worth of every person they serve.
Transparent, principled leadership. I believe in open communication and making decisions guided by principle, not politics, so residents can trust their government.
Website: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61574864409276