Worcester Patch Candidate Profile: Owura Sarkodieh 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.

Related: Voters To Hear From Worcester School Committee Candidates In Sept. 24 Debate

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

Owura Sarkodieh is running for both Worcester mayor and city councilor at-large.

Campaign website

https://owurasarkodieh.com/

Age

43

Family

Married with five kids

Position sought

Worcester Mayor/Councilor At-Large

What is your party affiliation?

Democratic

Educational background

High school: Opoku Ware School, Ghana; College: UMass Lowell; Law School: Massachusetts School of Law

Are you originally from Worcester?

Born in Ghana, but lived all my adult life in the U.S.

Occupation

Rehab Counselor, Realtor, small business owner

Have you previously or currently been elected to an office?

I did run for the city council office back in 2019.

Why are you running for Worcester Mayor/City Councilor?

I’m running for mayor because Worcester is at a turning point. We are the second-largest city in New England, rich with culture, diversity, and opportunity—but too many residents feel unheard and left out of the city’s progress. I want to lead Worcester into a new chapter — one where every neighborhood benefits from growth, where housing is affordable, schools are strong, and families feel safe. My campaign is about opening doors: doors to opportunity, to better governance, and to a City Hall that listens and acts on the concerns of its people. As mayor, I’ll focus on housing affordability, supporting small businesses, investing in our schools, and building stronger connections between local government and the community. Most importantly, I’ll work to bring new voices to the table so Worcester’s leadership reflects the people it serves. I’m running because I believe Worcester’s best days are still ahead—and together, we can get there.

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

The rising cost of living is one of the biggest challenges families face in Worcester. Too many residents are struggling to pay rent, afford groceries, and keep up with basic expenses. As mayor, I will focus on practical solutions that ease the burden while strengthening our local economy:

1. Affordable Housing: Partner with developers, nonprofits, and state agencies to increase affordable housing options, while protecting tenants from displacement. I’ll push for mixed-income housing and stronger inclusionary zoning policies.
2. Good Jobs & Fair Wages: Support small businesses and attract new industries that provide good-paying jobs. I’ll advocate for workforce development programs that connect Worcester residents with opportunities in healthcare, biotech, green energy, and the trades.
3. Lowering Everyday Costs: Expand access to public transit, invest in energy-efficiency programs, and work with utility providers to reduce household energy costs.
4. Supporting Families: Strengthen access to childcare, food security programs, and community resources so working families can keep more money in their pockets.

The bottom line is: Worcester should be a city where people can build a life, raise a family, and retire with dignity—not a place they’re priced out of. My priority as mayor will be making sure growth in Worcester lifts everyone, not just a few.

What sets you apart from other candidates seeking this position?

What sets me apart is that I bring both a fresh perspective and a deep commitment to Worcester’s future. Too often, our city’s leadership has been made up of the same voices for decades, while everyday residents—especially younger families, immigrants, and working people—feel left out of the conversation. I represent that new energy and a broader vision. I’m not running to maintain the status quo. I’m running to make sure Worcester’s growth is inclusive: that our neighborhoods benefit from investment, that families can afford to live here, and that our schools prepare the next generation for success. I also set myself apart by the way I lead. I believe leadership is about listening, building coalitions, and bringing new voices into City Hall. My campaign is about engaging people who don’t usually feel heard—because Worcester’s strength lies in its diversity, and we need to govern that way. In short: I’m offering not just policies, but a different kind of leadership—one rooted in listening, inclusion, and action.

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

In addition to tackling the cost of living, I’m focused on several other priorities that matter to Worcester families:

1. Public Education: Strengthening our schools so every child, no
   matter their background, has access to quality education and opportunities for success. That means supporting teachers, modernizing facilities, and expanding after-school and career-
   readiness programs.
2. Public Safety & Trust: Ensuring Worcester is a safe city while also building stronger trust between law enforcement and the community. I’ll push for community policing, transparency, and programs that prevent crime by addressing root causes.
3. Housing & Homelessness: Expanding affordable housing, preventing displacement, and investing in services to support people experiencing homelessness, including pathways to stability and recovery.
4. Economic Growth: Making Worcester a hub for innovation and small business growth while ensuring residents are trained and prepared for the jobs being created.
5. Infrastructure &Transit: Fixing our roads, investing in green
   infrastructure, and improving public transit so that Worcester is connected, sustainable, and accessible to everyone.
6. Inclusive Governance: Creating a City Hall that listens. I’ll establish more opportunities for residents to participate in decision- making and ensure leadership reflects Worcester’s diversity.

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

My experience has prepared me to lead Worcester with both vision and practicality. I’ve spent years working directly with people—listening to their concerns, solving problems, and building coalitions that bring results. That background has given me the skills to bring people together, make tough decisions, and ensure that no one is left behind. I also understand what it means to navigate systems, advocate for resources, and fight for fairness. Whether it’s working with community organizations, supporting families, or leading initiatives that bridge gaps, I’ve seen firsthand how policy affects everyday life—and I know how to turn ideas into action. Most importantly, my leadership style is rooted in listening. I don’t believe in top-down politics; I believe in engaging residents, amplifying their voices, and making City Hall a partner with the community. That approach, combined with my record of service and commitment to Worcester’s future, is what makes me ready to succeed as mayor.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself?

I want voters to know that my campaign isn’t about politics as usual—it’s about people. I’m not running for a title; I’m running to make Worcester a city where families can thrive, where young people see a future, and where seniors can retire with dignity. I’m deeply invested in this community. Worcester is my home, and I believe in its potential. My values—hard work, fairness, and service—come from lived experience, not just policy papers. I know what it feels like to struggle to make ends meet, and I know the power of opportunity when doors are opened. Above all, I want voters to know that if I’m elected mayor, I’ll serve with honesty, accessibility, and a commitment to listening. My promise is simple: City Hall will work for you, not the other way around.

See Also: 4 Candidates In Worcester Mayoral Race As List Of Who's Running Is Finalized

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