Springfield, MA (November 30, 2022) – Today, Councilor Justin Hurst announced his decision to run for Mayor of Springfield. “After talking with my family, we all agreed that we want to see Springfield grow into a first-class city—a city that is bold and innovative—and this demands a change agent with a vision. Our city deserves a forward-thinking leader who will meet the moment and will continue to listen and talk with the residents of Springfield to determine how, together, we can create and have a government that works for ALL of Springfield. With that said, I am declaring my candidacy to run for Mayor of Springfield.”
Citing his proven record of executive leadership and commitment to the shared values of transparency, accountability and social and economic justice, Councilor Hurst will advocate for communities across Springfield and continue to be a steward of taxpayer dollars.
As Mayor, he vows to ensure that the newly formed police commission retains all powers granted to the commission in the city ordinance. In addition, he will work to ensure residency for municipal workers is enforced with all employees earning a living wage that allows for economic and upward mobility. Councilor Hurst will also make certain that the remainder of the monies from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) are invested in residents struggling to make ends meet, new businesses, small businesses and nonprofits outside of downtown, and free transportation among other pertinent issues to the City of Springfield.
Councilor Hurst stated, “For all of our growth as a Commonwealth, Springfield stands at a crossroads. The city is at a critical point where it can continue to expand along with our state or fall short of its potential. Today, we see far too many people are being left behind with no hope of a better future. I have a proven track record of being an innovative leader with vision and a forward thinking elected official who understands that inclusion and equity are assets and even more so when we take into account the diversity of Springfield.”
“While many people will certainly see the historical significance of this Mayoral campaign, I am running to improve the lives of our residents and exercise influence over the future of our great city. It is more important than ever that our next Mayor be committed to accountability, justice and change,” said Hurst. “I will work in partnership with residents, community stakeholders and the business community to create an inclusive vision that will have a positive impact for every community and resident in Springfield.”
Hurst resides in Sixteen Acres with his wife Denise, Springfield School Committee Member, and sons, Justin Jr. and Jackson Douglas. He is an active participant of the Mason Square C-3 meetings, serves on the Juneteenth Jubilee Committee, the board of Arrha Credit Union, and is a member of Delta Chi Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. He is the son of Attorneys Frederick A. Hurst and Marjorie J. Hurst, who are the founders of An African American Point of View newspaper.
In 2013, Councilor Hurst was elected as a Springfield City Councilor and in 2019 and 2020 he was unanimously voted by his colleagues to serve as President of the City Council. He is a graduate of the Springfield Public Schools and received his Bachelor of Arts Degree in English from the University of Virginia. He received his Juris Doctor degree from Western New England University School of Law and was admitted to the Massachusetts Bar in 2004. Councilor Hurst was a teacher and administrator in the Springfield Public Schools for 10 years when he retired to start his own small business.
