Worcester Patch Candidate Profile: Khrystian King For Mayor, 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. However, eyes are primarily focused on the mayoral election.

Incumbent Mayor Joseph Petty, Councilor-at-Large Khrystian E. King, Edson Montero and Owura Kwaku-Sarkodieh will vie for the Worcester mayor's seat.

To be elected as mayor, the candidate must first be elected as one of the at-large city councilors and earn the highest number of votes on the ballot for mayor. 12 candidates are running for a City Councilor at-large seat and only six will be elected.

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

Khrystian King is running for both Worcester mayor and city councilor at-large.

Campaign website

https://www.king4worcester.org/Family

Proud father of three, husband and lifelong Worcester resident with deep family and community ties across the city—continues to be a parent of the Worcester Public Schools

Position sought

Mayor of Worcester

What is your party affiliation?

Democrat

Educational background

Attended Holy Name and St. Peter-Marian high schools.
Earned a Bachelor of Arts in Social Psychology with a minor in African/African American Studies from Wheaton College.
Received a Master of Social Work from Simmons College.
Completed a Master of Public Administration certification in Public Management and Leadership from the Moakley Center for Public Management at Suffolk University.

Was awarded an honorary Doctor of Laws by Wheaton College—received this honorary degree for his work as a licensed social worker in the Worcester office of the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families, where in addition to his full-time duties, he voluntarily served as the LGBTQ liaison.

Are you originally from Worcester?

I am deeply rooted here in this city. Worcester has shaped who I am. I've raised three children here and I’ve dedicated my career to serving the people who make this city strong.

What is your occupation?

Licensed Certified Social Worker for the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families for close to thirty years.

Vice Chair of the Worcester City Council.

Have you previously or currently been elected to an office?

Currently serving as a Worcester City Councilor-at-Large.

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 that too many decisions about Worcester’s future are made without the people who live here at the table — and that lack of inclusion affects everything from housing to public safety. I intend to change that by making city government work for residents: expanding affordable housing, strengthening public safety through trust and accountability, and investing in youth, families, and small businesses. I’ll lead with data and evidence-based research to ensure effective local government.

What sets you apart from other candidates seeking this position?

I’ve spent my entire professional life helping families navigate complex systems and fight for fairness. I bring that same energy to City Hall — listening first, solving problems, and standing with residents. My background as a social worker means I understand both the human impact of policy and the importance of accountability. I am able to bring people together.

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

• Public Safety: Strengthening trust between police and community through mental health partnerships, crisis response teams, and full implementation of DOJ reform recommendations.
• Economic Opportunity: Expanding apprenticeships and workforce training so local residents can fill the jobs created here. Creating a pathway for small businesses through tax relief and ensuring equity access to city contracts for local businesses.
• Transparency and Accountability: Auditing city operations to ensure efficient, equitable delivery of basic services like roadwork, trash collection, and snow removal.
• Good Government: Worcester deserves a favorable return on its tax dollars. Improved city services such as street, sidewalk, and pothole repair / maintenance operations, snow plowing, and infrastructure in support of our educators and students. This is achieved by a Mayor who leads with transparency.
• Homelessness: Worcester has the ability to expand the Health and Human Services Division by adding more homeless outreach workers and social workers in order to increase access to wraparound services, food, and shelter for the rising unsheltered population. This can be achieved without increasing taxes by tightening up the budget and shifting funding.

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

My 25 years as a social worker have taught me to listen deeply, mediate conflict, and make tough decisions in the best interest of families. As a councilor, I’ve delivered tangible progress — from expanding affordable housing and restoring after-school programs to increasing the senior homeowner exemption. I’ve also helped strengthen oversight, fairness, and transparency in how our city makes decisions.

As a Social Worker, coach, mentor, and elected official I’ve been amongst community at their kitchen tables, in their churches, on basketball courts, in our schools for decades before my time on the City Council.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself?

Worcester raised me; from my mentors in youth sports to the neighbors who showed me the meaning of community. I’ve dedicated my life to public service because I believe our best days are ahead if we lead with integrity, inclusion, and purpose. And because of that I don’t shy away from work when things get hard. It’s easy to lead when things are easy but it’s about what you do when things get tough.

See Other Candidate Profiles:

• Worcester Patch Candidate Profile: Jessica Pepple For City Councilor At-Large
• Worcester Patch Candidate Profile: Cayden Davis For City Councilor At-Large
• Worcester Patch Candidate Profile: Owura Sarkodieh For Mayor, City Councilor At-Large
• Worcester Patch Candidate Profile: Jermoh Kamara For City Councilor At-Large