Holyoke City Council re-elects Murphy Remleti president, creates vice presidency for first time

HOLYOKE -- January 5, 2026, Holyoke City Council unanimously re-elected Tessa Murphy Remleti as president and created a vice presidency for the first time in the body's history. The full 13-member council convened January 5 for its inaugural session, voting 12-1 on both the presidential and vice-presidential ballots. Murphy Remleti, who two years ago became the first woman to hold the presidency, was returned to the role for her third overall term on the council; Israel Rivera was elected the council's first-ever vice president, also 12-1. The session also featured a random drawing for physical seat assignments in the chamber, a new procedure for the body. Murphy Remleti noted that for the first time in the city's history, women hold a majority of council seats, eight of the 13 positions.