Moises Rodrigues Becomes Brockton’s First Mayor of Color; Jean Bradley Derenoncourt Narrowly Defeated

According to unofficial results, Rodrigues won 6,680 votes (50.5%) to Derenoncourt’s 6,420 (48.6%), a margin of just 260 votes.

Celebrating with supporters at Tommy Doyle’s Pub & Grill, Rodrigues declared, “There’s only one community — the City of Brockton. It’s great that I happen to be Cape Verdean, but we are one city. The days of division are done.”

He thanked residents for their trust, promising to “bring sanity back to City Hall” and to earn the confidence of those who didn’t vote for him.

At Tamboo Bistro, Derenoncourt conceded the race, telling supporters, “For the first time in this city’s history, a young kid from Haiti came here, challenged the system, and here we are. We lost by 271 votes, but we made history.”

He urged his supporters to stay engaged, calling the campaign a movement for change rather than a loss. “Tonight is not a defeat — we fought to challenge the establishment,” he said.

Council and School Committee Results

With both Rodrigues and Derenoncourt vacating their at-large seats, two new faces will join the City Council’s at-large team: David Teixeira, Carla DaRosa, Win Farwell, and Jeff Charnel were the top vote-getters. Rodrigues praised the outcome, saying, “Together, we’re going to make this city a great city.”

On the School Committee, most incumbents held their seats, but Stephen Pina (Ward 1) and Sandra Maria Centeio (Ward 5) won open spots. Pina, who beat incumbent Jorge Vega, said his win was about restoring “discipline, accountability, and excellence” in Brockton’s schools.

A Symbolic Moment

For many residents, this election carried deep meaning. Rodrigues, a longtime community leader and Cape Verdean immigrant who once served as acting mayor after Bill Carpenter’s passing, now makes history as the city’s first elected mayor of color.

Derenoncourt, a Haitian-born councilor and former refugee, inspired many with his rise from immigrant to City Hall contender. “He represents what’s possible,” said voter Dany Beottina.

Turnout and Outlook

Voter turnout reached about 16% of Brockton’s 69,000 registered voters, higher than the September preliminary election.

As Rodrigues prepares to take office, he faces calls for unity and accountability from across the city. “We are one Brockton,” he said. “Now it’s time to move forward — together.”