WORCESTER—District 5 Councilor Etel Haxhiaj is seeking re-election this fall, running for a third term on a record she says reflects both responsiveness to neighborhood concerns and a willingness to take firm stances on citywide issues.
Haxhiaj, who has lived in Worcester since 2001 after her family fled political unrest in Albania, has worked in youth mentoring, housing advocacy, and public service prior to her election. She currently lives in the Columbus Park neighborhood with her two sons.
In an interview with the Worcester Guardian, Haxhiaj said she is most proud of her work addressing constituent concerns. “I have personally responded to and addressed 400 constituent complaints and concerns to date,” she said. She pointed to traffic safety projects, fire prevention efforts, and disaster response as areas where she has been active, along with frequent neighborhood meetings and ongoing work to revitalize Webster Square.
She shares goals for another term that include moving stalled development projects forward, pushing for affordable housing and tackling homelessness. “People barely surviving on our streets, tucked in the woods and under our bridges is completely unacceptable,” she said.
Haxhiaj has been an outspoken advocate for immigrant rights, housing affordability, racial justice and climate action. She helped found Worcester’s Affordable Housing Coalition in 2022 and has pressed for stronger inclusionary zoning, accessible units in new developments and environmental protections such as tree canopy preservation and the adoption of the Specialized Stretch Code.
She also emphasized the need for balance in Worcester’s growth. “My commitment has been to ensure that the city prioritizes our neighborhoods with the same attention it has been giving to downtown and the ballpark district,” she said.
Her advocacy has made her a high-profile and sometimes polarizing figure on the council. She was a vocal ally of former Councilor Thu Nguyen, who left office citing discrimination and poor treatment. And earlier this year, Haxhiaj was ultimately charged with assault and battery on a police officer and interfering with police during a May 8 ICE operation on Eureka Street.
Haxhiaj has pleaded not guilty and has maintained her innocence, describing her actions as an attempt to protect residents caught in the raid. “While it is disappointing and disheartening to invest time, effort and resources fighting these charges, it is absolutely nothing compared to Worcester families living in fear of being torn apart,” she told supporters outside Worcester District Court in July. Her trial is ongoing.
Despite the controversy, she has continued to build a campaign war chest and remains a prominent voice in city politics. She argues that her immigrant background, professional experience, and service on the council have prepared her to continue advocating for District 5 residents.
“In 1999, when the American Consul asked why he should approve my green card application, I promised to use my citizenship for good,” she said. “I have honored that commitment since arriving in this country. My passion for helping people continues to inspire me, and I will strive to serve the public for as long as I can.”
This article is part of the Worcester Guardian’s 2025 election coverage. As part of our ongoing series, we are publishing individual candidate profiles and stories related to key issues facing the city ahead of the Nov. 4 municipal election. We have reached out—or are in the process of reaching out—to every candidate running for Worcester City Council and School Committee. If you are a certified candidate and would like to ensure you are included, please contact us at carsenault@theworcesterguardian.org.
