Galvin Massively Outspent Crowley In Woburn Mayoral Campaign

WOBURN, MA — The latest campaign finance reports filed in the 2021 Woburn mayoral election show a wide spending imbalance between incumbent Scott Galvin and his challenger Ellen Crowley, the School Committee chair.

Galvin's campaign spent over $25,000 in 2021, versus the just under $7,000 spent by Crowley's, according to campaign finance reports filed Friday.

The six-term incumbent — who raised money throughout the year — was the fundraising leader as well, taking in $36,055 in contributions in 2021. He spent $26,879.90.

The mayor came into the year with $22,293.43 on hand and ended the campaign with $31,468.53, managing to grow his war chest for future campaigns even while spending thousands.

Crowley began raising money in June and took in $8,578.94. She spent $6,913.76 and ended Nov. with $1,665.18 on hand.

Galvin won the race with 4,351 votes to Crowley 2,200, according to the official results. That's a per-vote spend of $6.18 for the mayor and $3.14 for the challenger.

Here are more details about campaign spending in the mayoral race:

Total contributors 2021

• Galvin — 171 (plus $6,355 in unitemized contributions)
• Crowley — 21

Top contributors 2021

• Galvin
  • John Flaherty ($1,000)
  • Peter Lennon ($1,000)
  • Patrick Dillon ($1,000)
  • Mark Schelzi ($1,000)
• Crowley
  • Self ($2,720)
  • Deborah White ($1,000)
  • Audrey Crowley ($1,000)
  • Samantha Stone ($1,000)

Biggest expenditures in 2021

• Galvin
  • $18,257.38 across multiple expenditures to Connolly Printing for printing and postage
• Crowley
  • $5,241.97 across multiple expenditures to Connolly Printing for campaign literature, mailing, lawn signs and magnet bumper stickers.

Christopher Huffaker can be reached at 412-265-8353 or chris.huffaker@patch.com.