Worcester Patch Candidate Profile: Cayden Davis For City Councilor At-Large

WORCESTER, MA — The municipal election is heating up in Worcester, and there are plenty of races with candidates eager to serve in elected office.

Worcester Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as Election Day draws near.

Cayden Davis is running for a City Councilor at-large seat in Worcester.

Campaign website

www.davis4worcester.com

Age

28

Family

Not yet married or have children, but hope to soon.

Position sought

Councilor at-large

What is your party affiliation?

Democrat

Educational background

Massabesic High School in Waterboro, Maine; Clark University in Worcester, Massachusetts for Bachelor's & Master's

Are you originally from Worcester?

No, I grew up in Maine but have lived in Worcester for 10 years now.

What is your occupation?

I work as the Project Coordinator with the MetroWest Care Connection, a regional community resource hub. I collaborate with diverse providers and community stakeholders to expand access to social services and improve coordination across systems, making it easier for people to get the support they need.

Have you previously or currently been elected to an office?

No.

Why are you running for the Councilor at-large seat?

I am running for City Councilor at-large because Worcester needs leaders who prioritize people over corporate interests and political convenience. At a time when our communities face unprecedented challenges, we cannot rely on business as usual—we deserve leadership that truly fights for us. Rising rents, underfunded services, and backroom deals leave too many people behind. Leadership means confronting these challenges, showing up every day for neighbors, and imagining new ways to build a stronger, fairer city. I am ready to be that leader and to fight for a Worcester that works for everyone.

Please complete this statement: The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ___, and this is what I intend to do about it.

The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is the rising cost of living, particularly housing, and this is what I intend to do about it: I will fight for rent stabilization, increase tax relief for communities most at risk of homelessness (such as seniors and folks with disabilities), strengthen affordability requirements for new developments, and prioritize anti-displacement measures that resist corporate takeovers of our community.

What sets you apart from other candidates seeking this position?

What sets me apart from other candidates is that I am the youngest candidate, the only renter, and have no ties to the political establishment. Like so many of my neighbors, I am frustrated by the lack of meaningful action from too many of our leaders. I am running to bring a fresh perspective, a personal understanding of the challenges working families face, and a commitment to improving Worcester for everyone, not just the connected.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?

• Affordable Housing: We need to address Worcester’s housing crisis with urgency by expanding affordable housing options, strengthening tenant protections, and ensuring development benefits residents—not just outside investors.
• Accessible Government & Community Voice: Too often, people are left in the dark about programs and services that could help them, and working-class families, renters, and immigrant communities are left out of decision-making. I will work to make city information easier to access and ensure every resident has a real voice at the table.
• Investing in Public Health & Community Resources: I will prioritize funding and support for community-based programs that improve health, safety, and well-being—from harm reduction to mental health resources—because a healthier city is a stronger city.

How does your experience prepare you for success in this position?

My experience in Worcester has given me firsthand insight into both the challenges residents face and the systems meant to serve them. I have worked at both the local and state levels, collaborating with non-profits, medical providers, municipal officials, first responders, community members, and faith leaders to drive meaningful change. In my current role as the chair of the MetroWest Housing Coalition, I bring diverse stakeholders together to achieve shared goals. By combining frontline experience with systems-level knowledge, I tackle complex problems from multiple angles with solutions that are practical, impactful, and rooted in equity.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself?

I am running humbly, but with a deep commitment to building with community and being courageous as we navigate these unprecedented times. My experience has shown me the challenges Worcester residents face, and I am dedicated to ensuring everyday people have a real voice in local government. I approach this work rooted in collaboration and equity, and I truly believe that we can build a Worcester that works for everyone if we have leaders who are willing to do so.

See Other Candidate Profiles:

• Worcester Patch Candidate Profile: Keith Linhares For District 1 City Councilor
• Worcester Patch Candidate Profile: Jose Rivera For District 5 City Councilor
• Worcester Patch Candidate Profile: Sue Mailman For School Committee At-Large
• Worcester Patch Candidate Profile: Owura Sarkodieh For Mayor, City Councilor At-Large
• Worcester Patch Candidate Profile: Ted Kostas For District 4 City Councilor