WORCESTER—Mayor Joseph Petty continues to dominate fundraising in the 2025 Worcester mayoral race, pulling in $104,122.09 in contributions since January 2024 — more than triple the total of his nearest opponent, according to the latest state campaign finance filings.
Petty, who is also seeking re-election as a city councilor at large, reported 412 donations totaling $104,122.09, with many top contributions coming from developers, business owners, and executives in construction, real estate, and health care. His campaign expenditures total $52,123.53, including spending on advertising, invitations, lawn signs, and community event sponsorships.
“Endorsements and contributions from community organizations are meaningful signals of trust,” Petty said, highlighting the role that supporters and local groups play in his campaign.
His biggest donors include several familiar Worcester business figures: David Fontaine of Fontaine Brothers, James Chacharone of Chacharone Properties, Patrick Lee of Trinity Financial, and Hassan Yatim of Yatco Energy, who contributed $2,000 through two $1,000 donations. Petty also received large contributions from developers Charles Norton and Kevin Parvin, as well as executives from Reliant Medical Group and RMG Medical Group.
Petty’s campaign also drew support from several unions, including the Worcester-Fitchburg Building Trades Council, Plumbers & Pipefitters Local 4, and Sheet Metal Workers Local 63.
“While I appreciate support from leaders and institutions, my decisions are shaped by conversations at neighborhood meetings, community events, and with residents across Worcester,” Petty previously told the Worcester Guardian.
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Trailing behind is Councilor Khrystian King, who reported $35,836 from 408 donors. King’s campaign, which has historically drawn support from organized labor, again benefited from donations from SEIU Local 509, SEIU 32BJ, and the Massachusetts & Northern New England Laborers’ District Council PAC, each giving $500. King spent $13,541.65 on the campaign so far, including costs for printing, signage, and a fundraiser at Mexitown Bar & Grill.
King has not responded to interview requests from the Worcester Guardian; on his campaign website, he emphasizes the importance of fundraising, stating that donations support campaign mailings, yard signs, and grassroots field operations — tools he says are critical to his bid for both mayor and re-election as city councilor at large.
“Your generous contribution pays for campaign fliers, yard signs, mailings and grass roots field operations,” he writes on his campaign website, “all essential tools needed to move our message.”
First-time candidate Owura-Kwaku Sarkodieh, who is also running for councilor at large, raised $3,896.69 from 32 donors, including $700 in self-funding. His campaign spent $3,646.89, mostly on yard signs and a website.
Sarkodieh said his campaign has focused on building connections rather than outspending opponents.
“My campaign has been built around community connection rather than large spending,” Sarkodieh said. “We’re focused on grassroots engagement — meeting residents where they are, whether that’s through neighborhood events, door-to-door conversations, a lot of social media outreach, or community radio with the different ethnic communities in Worcester. Worcester voters value authenticity and accessibility, and that’s been our strength.”
He said the response from residents has been encouraging.
“The response from residents has been inspiring. Many people have told me they’re ready for new leadership that listens and represents every corner of Worcester,” Sarkodieh said. “They appreciate that I’m running for both mayor and councilor at large because it shows my deep commitment to serving this city in whatever capacity voters choose.”
Edson Montero, who remains on the mayoral ballot but is not actively campaigning for the office, reported just $515 in donations and $781 in expenses, mostly for campaign literature.
Under Worcester’s Plan E charter, all councilors at large are automatically candidates for mayor unless they formally withdraw. Of the four names on the ballot, Petty, King, and Sarkodieh are the only candidates actively running for the city’s top job.
The fundraising totals reflect all contributions and expenditures reported to the Massachusetts Office of Campaign and Political Finance between Jan. 1, 2024, and Oct. 7, 2025.
Coming up next in the Worcester Guardian’s 2025 election coverage series: a look at campaign finance reports for the city’s at-large council candidates.
In fact, stay with us as we track the 2025 municipal election, bringing you in-depth candidate profiles, coverage of debates and community forums, and the latest updates on Worcester’s races for mayor, city council, and school committee. From local issues that affect everyday life to the stories behind the names on the ballot, we’ll make sure readers have the information they need to make their voices heard this November.
