Not more than a minute after Danny Rourke sent shockwaves through Lowell’s political bubble by announcing his resignation from the Lowell City Council at the end of Tuesday night’s lengthy meeting, this reporter’s phone had already blown up with messages from stunned observers.
By the time we posted our first story about the former Mayor’s departure on social media, followed by the publication of our first story on InsideLowell.com some 25-minutes later, speculation had already turned to who would run in a special election to replace him as the District 1 (Pawtucketville) representative.
In that story, we speculated about three well-known names to keep an eye on; Ray Boutin, Rodney Elliott and Danielle McFadden.
It didn’t take long for Boutin to end the suspense. The former Greater Lowell Regional Technical High School Committee member, who had previously told InsideLowell he would be very interested in running in 2027 if his friend Rourke decided not to seek re-election, made it clear in a text response just before midnight that he would be throwing his hat into the ring.
“First, I’d like to thank Danny Rourke for his years of service to Pawtucketville and the city,” Boutin said. “I had always said I would never run against him, but would love to serve if he decided not to seek re-election at any point in the future. His resignation just moved up my timeline and I will begin the process of organizing my campaign tomorrow (Wednesday) morning.”
Contacted early Wednesday morning, former Mayor, City Councilor and State Representative Rodney Elliott said he is surprised by the sudden departure, but has spoken with his family and will be running for the open seat.
“I love this city and the neighborhood that helped shape who I am today,” Elliott told InsideLowell. “I will bring my professional experience in public finance that has taught me the importance of protecting taxpayer dollars and ensuring that government operates with transparency and accountability.”
“As someone who has previously served as a City Councilor, I understand the needs of Pawtucketville and the city at large,” Elliott continued. “The relationships I have forged over the years of public service will allow me to hit the ground running.”
McFadden, who is currently serving her first term as an At-Large Lowell School Committee member, indicated a council run would be a consideration in the future, but not at this point.
“Danny Rourke has done a tremendous job representing the City of Lowell, and Pawtucketville in particular,” she wrote via text. “I’ve been lucky to have him represent me and my family, and even luckier to call him a friend. He has been a dedicated City Councilor, a wonderful Mayor, and someone who has given so much of himself to our community. I’m grateful for his many years of service, and whoever succeeds him will certainly have big shoes to fill.”
“While I’ve been open about the possibility of running for City Council someday, this isn’t the right time and I will not seek the vacant seat,” McFadden continues. “I’m honored to serve Lowell as an At-Large Committee member and I’m committed to the important work ahead for our students and schools. I won’t rule out a future run for City Council, but for now, my focus is on serving our students, our schools and the people who elected me.”
It’s likely other names will emerge, or at least consider the position, as the process plays out these next few months.
Under a Home Rule Petition approved by the Massachusetts legislature in July of 2024, following John Leahy’s resignation from the council, a special election must be called within 120 days of the seat officially being declared vacant if that vacancy occurs in the first year of the term.
With Rourke’s departure falling within that first-year timeline, that gives the city until about January 20, 2027, to hold a special election to fill the seat.
