Voters will head to the polls on Tuesday, Nov. 4, to decide several competitive City Council races that will shape Biddeford’s approach to housing, taxes, infrastructure and government transparency.
Three candidates are competing for two at-large seats, while Ward One, Ward Two, Ward Four, Ward Six and Ward Seven feature contested races. Ward Five is uncontested.
At-Large Race: Lessard, Vadnais, Sheikh-Yousef
Incumbent Marc Lessard, 62, has served the council for much of the past 30 years. Lisa Vadnais, 64, chairs the School Committee and has held that position for 16 years. Nasreen A. Sheikh-Yousef, 34, serves on the board of directors for Heart of Biddeford and previously sat on Portland’s Charter Review Commission.
Lessard and Vadnais have consistently led in citywide vote totals. In 2023, Vadnais topped the ballot with 3,374 votes, while Lessard led council candidates with 3,021. Sheikh-Yousef, who moved to Biddeford three years ago, is making her first run for citywide office.
All three candidates have highlighted affordability and housing as top concerns. Lessard has criticized rising property taxes — up about 25 percent in four years — and questioned the city’s focus on low-income housing. Vadnais has raised similar concerns, particularly for seniors on fixed incomes. Sheikh-Yousef has focused on housing affordability, homelessness and public safety, calling for new strategies and stronger prevention efforts.
Ward One Race: Boston and LaBelle
In Ward One, Pat Boston, 71, of Hills Beach, is seeking a return to the council after a 14-year hiatus. Jim LaBelle, 61, of Biddeford Pool, is a first-time candidate who recently retired as executive director of the Biddeford-Saco Chamber of Commerce.
Both have centered their campaigns on fiscal responsibility and housing. Boston emphasized transparency, smart growth and workforce housing. LaBelle has focused on rising living costs and attracting new businesses to broaden the tax base.
Ward Two Race: McCurry and Woods
The Ward Two race features John McCurry, 68, a former councilor and current School Committee member, against Abigail Woods, 36, a community volunteer and first-time candidate.
McCurry has prioritized fiscal restraint and expanding the commercial tax base to ease pressure on homeowners. Woods has focused on housing, transparency and public engagement, describing housing as Biddeford’s most urgent issue.
Ward Four Race: Doughty and Mills
Dylan Doughty, 34, won a special election in 2024 to fill the seat vacated by Bobby Mills, 60. Mills is now seeking to reclaim the seat.
Both candidates have made rising property taxes and housing affordability central themes. Doughty has called for expanding housing options, while Mills has criticized tax increases and pledged to oppose what he describes as “sweetheart deals” with developers.
Ward Five Race: Kurtz Unopposed
David Kurtz, 38, is running unopposed for the downtown Ward Five seat.
An attorney specializing in corporate law and debt restructuring, Kurtz has made affordability, housing, public safety and improved communication at City Hall the core of his platform.
Ward Six Race: Hurtubise and Pierson
In Ward Six, Roger Hurtubise, 80, a former councilor and Franco-American community leader, faces Jake Pierson, 41, a political newcomer with extensive committee experience.
Hurtubise has focused on rising property taxes, accountability and infrastructure. Pierson has emphasized affordable housing, downtown development and increased government transparency.
Ward Seven Race: Cote and Pecor
Brad Cote, 44, a former Ward Three councilor, faces Sam Pecor, 30, a real estate agent and first-time candidate. Ward Seven includes working-class neighborhoods, industrial parks and the municipal airport.
Cote has called for data-driven decision-making, financial planning and cautious use of development incentives. Pecor has focused on the city’s long-term sewer infrastructure and called for a transparent, multi-year financing strategy.
Both candidates have stressed the importance of fiscal planning and rebuilding public trust.
Election Day
City-wide, incumbent Mayor Marty Grohman is also facing challenges from City Council President Liam LaFontaine and attorney and Ward 6 Councilman Norman Belanger.
The outcomes of the at-large and ward races as well as the mayorla will shape Biddeford’s future on housing, taxation, infrastructure investment and city governance. Voters will cast their ballots on Tuesday, Nov. 4.
