WATERVILLE — Political newcomer Catherine Tamara Herard defeated incumbent Thomas A. McCormick Sr. in Tuesday’s race for the Ward 7 City Council seat, by a 408 to 353 vote.

Catherine Herard

McCormick, who is unenrolled, was elected to the seat in 2021. Herard, a Democrat, ran for elected office for the first time, defeating him by 55 votes. City councilors are paid $1,500 a year.

Herard, 52, of Silver Street said she was running because she is “committed to Waterville and to serving a community that is inclusive, affordable and welcoming to everyone.”

Herard, assistant men’s and women’s cross-country coach at Thomas College, said she would work toward creating more economic opportunities for the city, including affordable housing and safe spaces for children and adults to learn, play and grow.

Wednesday morning, Herard said that she was happy to have won the seat

“I’m looking forward to working with the other council members, for sure,” she said.

One of the things Herard hopes to work on, she said, is helping to make the city more accessible in terms of being more walkable.

McCormick, 62, of King Court said in October that he was running for reelection for a three-year term “to continue to be the strong advocate and voice for the needs of my community and Ward 7.” A machine operator and bench carpenter at Duratherm Window Co. in Vassalboro, had said that if elected, he would focus on creating jobs and improving infrastructure.

Contacted Wednesday, McCormick, a member of the South End Neighborhood Association, said the people have spoken, and he wishes Herard the best in serving the people of Ward 7.

“I commend her — congratulations, a job well done,” he said. “I’m going to stop by her house this afternoon and congratulate her.”