Join the Movement for Change
James Roy for New Bedford City Councilor At-Large
About James
I am a lifelong New Bedford resident, public school graduate, husband, father, and proven advocate for working families. I have fought to end the MCAS graduation requirement, expand school and transit funding, and build coalitions that deliver real results. As a civics teacher and organizer, I bring grassroots energy, deep local roots, and a track record of listening and leading.
With so much stacked against working people, I see every day how local decisions can tip the balance, shaping our jobs, schools, environment, and neighborhoods. Too often, elected officials shrug off responsibility, pass the buck, and leave communities without answers. That’s unacceptable. We deserve leaders who take responsibility, work together to solve problems, and stay in the fight until the job is done.
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City government works best when it brings people together, hears families, and turns shared goals and values into action. That’s how I’ve led, and it’s how I’ll serve as your at-large city councilor.
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Together, we can move New Bedford forward.
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What We’re Fighting For
These aren’t just policies, they’re personal. In New Bedford, we’ve lived these struggles, and we know what’s possible when we come together and focus on what matters: budgets that reflect our values, policies that support good jobs and strong schools, and leadership that works to make every neighborhood safer and healthier.
Economic Justice That Puts Working Families and Small Businesses First
Affordable, Dignified Housing for All
I grew up in public housing, later struggled with housing instability as a tenant, and only recently navigated the long, uncertain road to homeownership. Everyone deserves a safe, stable home, and I’ll fight for policies that make housing affordable and protect tenants’ rights across our city.
​Good Union Jobs with Fair Wages and Benefits
Our economy should work for working people. I’ll fight to strengthen labor protections and expand opportunities for good-paying, union jobs right here in New Bedford.​
Thriving Small Businesses
Small, independent businesses are the heartbeat of New Bedford. I’ll champion policies that help them grow and thrive and stand with local merchants against top-down proposals like the downtown BID.
Public Education and Opportunity for Every Child
Fully Funded, High-Quality Public Schools
As a teacher and a proud graduate of New Bedford Public Schools, I know our students and educators deserve the resources, respect, and support they need to succeed.​
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Investing in Arts, Culture, and Recreation
Arts and culture shaped my life. I’ll fight to ensure every young person has access to creative, educational, and enriching opportunities that build confidence, connection, and belonging.
Safe, Healthy Communities Where Everyone Belongs
The Dignity and Rights of Immigrant Communities
I’ll continue working alongside immigrant families, whose work, culture, and entrepreneurship have helped build New Bedford into the vibrant city it is, to protect their rights, defend their dignity, and ensure everyone feels safe and valued.​
Addressing the Root Causes of Crime
My recovery taught me that real safety begins with opportunity. I’ll invest in public health, trauma informed schools, and community led programs to tackle chronic poverty, adverse childhood experiences, and untreated addiction, the factors that drive crime.
Leadership That’s Accountable to You
Responsive, Accessible Constituent Services
As a labor and community organizer, I know how to listen, navigate government, and advocate to get things done. I’ll stay accessible, responsive, and proactive for our neighborhoods.​
Transparent, Accountable Government
Trust in government starts with accountability. I’ll fight for transparency and decision-making that puts people first.
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Contact Us
Roy Committee
552 Kirby Street
New Bedford, MA
02740​
Contact James: 508-525-6802
