Mary Ellen Fletcher and Catherine Phelan fended off Liz Smith during the local election to retain their positions on the Select Board. 

Phelan led the Select Board race with 1,324 votes out of the 4,104 cast. Fletcher earned 1,209 votes, and Smith received 847. Two sitting board members, Doug Thompson and David Grishman, had backed Smith’s attempt to unseat one of the incumbents. There were 16 write-ins and 708 ballots left blank. Slightly more than 16% of those registered in the town voted in the election.

“This win is a reflection of what we can do when we work together with heart and purpose,” Phelan posted to Facebook. “I’m excited to continue building a stronger, more vibrant town — not just for today, but for our children and the generations to come.”

Fletcher and Phelan shared a joint video on Facebook thanking supporters “for putting us back in place.”

“It’s time we keep everything positive and stay focused on getting the job done,” Fletcher said. 

Smith shared a post to her Facebook page thanking those who supported her campaign “especially Katie Arrington and Evan.”

“To the many people who love and work for a better Swampscott and believed in our campaign – my gratitude is boundless,” Smith posted.

Unlike the heated Select Board vote, the majority of the ballot was unopposed. Michael McClung (1,281 votes) is returning for another year as the moderator. He will lead the Town Meeting on May 19 and 20. 

Neil Sheehan (1,410 votes) ran for the Board of Assessors and will retain his position for another three years. Debra Nutter (1,275 votes) was re-elected for a three year term on the Housing Authority. William Quinn (1,272 votes) also secured his position on the Planning Board for another five years. 

There were some new names on the ballot as well. Neal DeChillo will serve a three-year term as a trustee of the public library. Lawrence Block will serve one year on the Board of Health, while Helen Tieger was elected for a three year term for the board. 

Newly elected Joseph Patsios (941 votes) will join re-elected Gabriele Mongiello (1,057 votes) and Jeffrey Blonder (1,125 votes) as constable. 

The Housing Authority will have one vacant seat.

The School Committee would have also had one vacant seat, but Amy O’Connor ran a write-in campaign and received 222 votes. Assistant Town Clerk Michael Brison confirmed that is enough support for O’Connor to hold the position. 

Michael Alonso Contreras (1,270 votes) will also join the School Committee and serve his first term.

“I am honored and grateful to have been elected as a member of the Swampscott School Committee,” Contreras posted to Facebook. “Thank you to everyone who put their faith in me; I will serve with integrity and diligence on behalf of our students and community. I look forward to working together to deliver the best possible education for all Swampscott students.”

The election results will remain unofficial until the week of May 12, in accordance with Massachusetts General Law.