SOUTH PORTLAND — April Caricchio defeated James Gilboy in the election for a seat on the City Council representing District 4.

Caricchio received 6,834 votes Nov. 6, while Gilboy trailed with 3,796, according to unofficial results; 2,673 ballots were write-ins or left blank.

District 4 is the southernmost corner of the city. 

The seat is being vacated by Mayor Linda Cohen, who, after six years on the council, decided not to seek re-election. 

Just after the lunch-hour rush to the polls Tuesday, Caricchio greeted voters at the South Portland Community Center. She said she had been there for most of the day and was inspired by the “fantastic” turnout. 

Caricchio could not be reached for a comment Wednesday afternoon, but said during her campaign that she felt compelled to run for the seat because she wants South Portland to be a place where her children can come back to work, be part of the community and raise their own families.  

Caricchio, a retirement home administrator, said she’ll bring a unique perspective to the council she gained from growing up in public housing, raising her family as a single working-class mother, and working with vulnerable populations such as the elderly and children with special needs.

Misha Pride ran unopposed to represent District 3, a seat held by Councilor Eben Rose, who did not seek re-election. Pride received 9,479 votes, according to unofficial results. 

On the School Board, incumbents Richard Matthews in District 3, District 5 representative Elyse Tipton, and Vice Chairman Matthew Perkins in District 4 were re-elected without oppostition, receiving 9,452, 9,263, and 9,236 votes, respectively. 

This year’s election season for the city isn’t over just yet, because there is still one seat open on the council.

The city will hold a special council election Tuesday, Dec. 11, to fill the District 5 seat left vacant after Adrian Dowling’s abrupt resignation last month.

As of Nov. 7, three residents had taken out nomination papers needed to be on the ballot: Deqa Dhalac, of Red Oak Drive; Michael Caudle, of Wermuth Road, and Donald Cook, of New York Avenue. 

Jocelyn Van Saun can be reached at 781-3661, ext. 183 or jvansaun@theforecaster.net. Follow her on Twitter @JocelynVanSaun.

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