EASTHAMPTON — A city resident with experience working in the state Democratic Party is poised to run for mayor this November.
Nicole LaChapelle, 50, of 123 East St., formed a campaign committee last week and will formally announce her candidacy in the coming weeks.
The 20-year Easthampton resident said in an email that she’s running for mayor because “I love this city and the people who live here.”
“As mayor, I will work to increase transparency in City Hall,” LaChapelle said in the email. “Easthampton has much to offer the people that live here and I’m invested in the city’s prosperity.”
Current Mayor Karen Cadieux did not respond to multiple phone calls and texts seeking comment Monday about her reelection plans, though she wrote in an email that she would notify the Gazette when she has an announcement to make.
LaChapelle has a history in politics. In 2016, she served as delegate for Hillary Clinton’s campaign for president. As a delegate, LaChapelle represented the Massachusetts 1st Congressional District at the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia last July, where she cast a roll call vote to nominate Clinton for president.
LaChapelle also served as treasurer of the Massachusetts Democratic State Committee.
In a previous interview, LaChapelle said she has been politically active since the Equal Rights Amendment, which would have guaranteed equal rights for women under the Constitution.
The amendment failed in 1983.
LaChapelle holds a bachelor’s degree in government from Smith College and a law degree from Western New England College School of Law. She currently works as attorney at her practice.
Last Thursday, LaChapelle formed a committee with the Office of Campaign and Political Finance. Nomination papers for the municipal race are not available until July 3 and must be returned to the City Clerk’s office by Sept. 19.
The election will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 7. The mayor, as well as city council and school committee members, are elected to serve two-year terms.
Cadieux was first elected mayor in 2013 after serving as an assistant to former mayor Michael Tautznik for 17 years. In 2015, she was the sole candidate for the position.
Caitlin Ashworth can be reached at cashworth@gazettenet.com.