I’m Ty Hapworth, and for the past six years I’ve been proud to serve Salem on the City Council. As a father, husband, veteran, and neighbor, I believe in a city government that listens, includes everyone, and delivers.
I grew up in rural Maine, where my dad was a teacher and my mom worked in healthcare. From them, I learned the values of hard work and service. I met my high school sweetheart (and future wife), Micah, in that same small town. After the attacks of 9/11, I joined the Army and served as a combat arms officer. The Army taught me grit, accountability, and collaboration, values I’ve carried into every part of my life.
Micah and I are raising our kids here in Salem and have built a life rooted in this community. Since winning a seat on the Council in 2019, I’ve served as Council President and chaired key committees, helping to guide tough conversations and deliver real progress for Salem.
I’ve worked to expand affordable housing, invest in generational improvements to our parks, protect historic neighborhoods, strengthen renters' rights, stand up for our LGBTQ+ neighbors, and position Salem as a leader in America’s clean energy future. I’m running for re-election because I believe cities like ours prove that we can still get things done together. The ideas that will carry this country into the future won’t come from Washington. They’ll come from communities like ours. I’m so proud of what we’ve done together, and I would be honored to receive one of your four votes for Councillor at Large again on November 4.
Experience
-Elected to three consecutive terms as Councillor at Large
-Elected Council President in 2024
-Served as chair of Ordinances Licenses and Legal Affairs, Government Services and Community and Economic Development
-Member of and liaison to the Salem Veteran’s Council
Initiatives I’ve fought for and passed
•Made it legal and easier for homeowners to build in-law apartments and accessory homes—helping seniors, families, and renters find affordable options.
•Required affordable housing in large new developments—so working families aren’t priced out of Salem.
•Bonded for $16 million in park improvements—investing in playgrounds, ballfields, and the green spaces that bring our community together.
•Supported offshore wind marshalling port in Salem—creating clean energy jobs and making our city a climate leader.
•Protected historic homes and neighborhoods with a demolition delay ordinance—making sure history isn’t erased overnight.
•Passed new protections for renters in condo conversions—giving tenants more time, notice, and stability when apartments turn into condos.
•Strengthened wetlands protection laws—helping Salem stay resilient against flooding and climate change.