Serena Hollmeyer Taylor Seeks Somerville Ward 3 Seat
Taylor, a longtime Union Square-area resident, is running for the Ward 3 council seat being vacated by Ben Ewen-Campen.
Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Civic Engagement
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Serena Hollmeyer Taylor has announced her candidacy for Somerville City Council in Ward 3. The seat is being vacated by Ben Ewen-Campen, who recently won the Democratic primary for State Representative.
Why it matters
The open Ward 3 seat creates a new council opportunity in the neighborhoods around Union Square. Taylor's campaign centers on housing, neighborhood safety, and street, transportation, and park improvements.
Taylor has lived in the Union Square area since 2011 and is seeking the Ward 3 council seat being vacated by Ben Ewen-Campen. Her stated priorities include housing, neighborhood safety, and improvements to streets, transportation, and parks.
The players
Serena Hollmeyer Taylor
Taylor is a Somerville resident and President Emeritus of the Somerville Homeless Coalition who is now seeking the Ward 3 council seat.
Ben Ewen-Campen
Ewen-Campen is the current Ward 3 councilor who is vacating the seat after winning the Democratic primary for State Representative.
The details
Taylor is President Emeritus of the Somerville Homeless Coalition and holds a Master's of Arts in Law and Diplomacy from the Fletcher School at Tufts University. She previously served on Mayor Jake Wilson's transition committee focused on homelessness, health, and human services, and has been endorsed by former Ward 3 School Committee member Sarah Phillips.
Timeline
2011: Taylor became a Union Square-area resident.
After 2005: Taylor spent three months in Biloxi, Mississippi, rebuilding homes after Hurricane Katrina.
November 3, 2026: Taylor announced her candidacy for Ward 3.
Coming months: Taylor plans to meet with Ward 3 residents and share her vision.
Civic Engagement Context
Open council seats created when incumbents move to state office are a recurring feature of Somerville's municipal elections, and Ward 3's vacancy follows that pattern. Taylor's campaign platform on homelessness and housing draws on her prior work with the Somerville Homeless Coalition.
Ward 3 residents will choose a new councilor to represent the Union Square, Central Hill, Prospect Hill, and Spring Hill neighborhoods. Candidates' positions on housing, safety, and street and park maintenance will shape local priorities.
The takeaway
Ward 3 voters have an opportunity to weigh in on who will represent their neighborhoods on the city council. Reviewing candidate platforms on housing and neighborhood issues can help residents make informed choices.
What happens next
Taylor plans to spend the coming months meeting with Ward 3 residents, listening to their concerns, and sharing her vision for Somerville's future.
Further reading
For more on local candidates and how residents get involved, see Civic Engagement coverage.
More information
Learn more about Taylor's platform on the Serena Hollmeyer Taylor campaign website.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Somerville Times.
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