Sanford voters choose Peter Tranchemontagne as next mayor

Sanford residents voted to install City Councilor Peter Tranchemontagne as the city's new mayor, according to unofficial results released by the city.

Tranchemontagne secured 4,051 votes, edging out Deputy Mayor Maura Herlihy, who finished with 2,748. Matthew Dupuis and Daniel White rounded out the field with 860 and 713 votes, respectively.

Although the mayoral contest is nonpartisan, Tranchemontagne campaigned with support from several state Republicans. Public safety was a central theme of his campaign. He will assume office following the end of the current administration, serving a two-year term after Mayor Becky Brink completes her tenure on Dec. 31.

Voters also narrowed the Sanford City Council from seven candidates to two. Meagan Crawford led the ballot with 2,829 votes, while Shawn Goodwin followed with 1,958. Jonathan Martell, the sole incumbent seeking election, placed third with 1,783 votes.

Bryce Lambert received 1,747 votes, and Victoria Pariyar and Michael Perry each garnered just over 1,500. Alexander Clary finished last with slightly more than 1,300 votes. The two winning council candidates will begin their duties on Jan. 1.

The election also settled leadership for local educational and utility boards. Paula Tatiana Cote and Lisa Pritchett were elected to the Sanford School Committee. In uncontested races, Brian Samia was elected as the Sanford Water District trustee, and Kevin Eaton was elected as the Sanford Sewerage District trustee.