The results came in. We received 4,083 votes — an incredible turnout! On paper, it's a loss. In my heart, it’s something much more meaningful.
I want to congratulate Jason Chen, Maya Jamaleddine, Elizabeth Kowal, and Ryan Williams on their well-earned victories. I wish them all the best as they serve our community.
When I decided to run, I had been a U.S. citizen for just two weeks (no, that is not a typo) and was a newcomer to Melrose. I had just a website, my story, and a belief that honest conversation still matters. And yet, more than four thousand of you placed your trust in me. That number humbles me beyond words.
My message was one of hope: These are uncertain times. As a first-generation immigrant, I’ve learned to live with uncertainty. But I’ve also learned to hope. That hope gives me the courage to dream beyond what seems possible. My journey — from immigrant to citizen to candidate — shows what’s possible, right here in Melrose. And that is the true promise of the American Dream.
I ran because I wanted to give back to the community that welcomed me, to help build something lasting and meaningful for everyone. I fought for policies I believe in, including advocating for the passing of the tax override — a measure that will invest in our children’s future as well as our wider community.
Every campaign for change faces obstacles, and ours was no different — ultimately concluding in a narrow loss of less than 1%. This result doesn't diminish the energy, heart, and hope we put into this campaign — nor the pride, gratitude, and respect I feel for what we built together.
Right now, I don’t know what comes next. What I do know is that the connections we built, the conversations we started, and the hope we shared are real — and they matter. To everyone who supported this campaign, who believed in me, and who took the time to vote: THANK YOU. You gave me something I will never forget.
This isn’t an ending. It’s part of a longer story — one that we’re still writing, together.
With gratitude and respect,
Dionysios Kaskarelis