Jim McCauley, candidate for Mayor

What do you see as the biggest challenges facing the LGBTQIA+ community in Newburyport and in what ways do you see yourself supporting us in elected office?

While Newburyport is a welcoming city, our LGBTQ+ community still faces real challenges especially when it comes to visibility, access and inclusion beyond Pride Month. LGBTQ+ youth often struggle with isolation and lack of support in schools. Trans and nonbinary residents face barriers to affirming health care, and older adults may feel overlooked in our social spaces. We also know that economic insecurity and mental health disparities affect LGBTQ residents at higher rates. So, if elected Mayor, I’d work to ensure our city services, schools, and public spaces are truly inclusive.

Additionally, I’d want every resident to feel seen, safe and celebrated. Our LGBTQ+ community enriches the fabric of our city and its our responsibility to ensure that inclusion is structural. Growing up I’ve experienced a number of close friends and relatives who have come out. It was a different time then, but the anxiety hasn’t changed. In my professional life, I manage a number of LGBTQ+ members within my team. I always thought that being accepting and supportive was enough and that I was considered an ally. But I’m learning that as an elected official, more is required.

Do you support the annual celebration of Newburyport Pride? What does it mean to you?

I fully support the annual celebration, and I’ve been happy to see the growth of the annual pride celebration. In June when rainbow flags fly and neighbors gather in joy, we are reminded that visibility matters, that love belongs in public spaces, and that community is strongest when it includes everyone. Pride is a time to honor the courage of LGBTQ+ residents past and present and to recommit ourselves to equity in both words and actions.

What is your opinion of last year’s theme “Existence is Resistance”?

I think in using this phrase, the pride board made a powerful declaration that simply living as LGBTQ+ openly and unapologetically, is itself a form of defiance against a structure that has historically tried to silence or marginalize queer lives.…It’s also a reminder to honor those who came before, who risked everything to be seen, and it uplifts those still fighting for dignity and belonging.

What are your hopes for Newburyport Pride 2026?

My hope is for Newburyport Pride to continue to grow. I’d like to see events expanded across the city over multiple days.

What Newburyport Pride events have you attended? Tell us about your favorite Newburyport Pride event!

I’ve attended all 3 parades, and marched in 2. I did not think I had a place in marching, as I’m not a member of the LGBTQ+ community, but I learned that my presence as an elected official mattered. I observed a community that was celebrating itself, and observed the look of pure joy and acceptance in the faces of its participants.

Is there anything else you would like to share with the Newburyport Pride audience?

If elected Mayor, I believe our city is strongest when everyone belongs. That means listening to LGBQT residents year round, not just in June. It means ensuring our schools, health services and public spaces are inclusive It means showing up not just with words but with actions. As I stated earlier, I thought I was an ally, but through dialog have learned that as an elected official, I have more work to do.