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Dracut Election Heats Up as Former Selectman Challenges Planning Board Chair
Two seats on the Dracut Board of Selectmen are up for grabs, with a potential rematch between former Selectman Joe DiRocco and architect Phil Thibault.
Published on Mar. 8, 2026
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The upcoming Dracut town election is shaping up to be a lively affair, with two seats on the Board of Selectmen up for grabs. Incumbent Heather Santiago-Hutchings is seeking a third term, but the real drama could come from a potential rematch between former Selectman Joe DiRocco and architect Phil Thibault. The two have clashed in the past over issues like Dracut Access Television, and observers are predicting a 'grudge match' if they both file nomination papers by the March 14 deadline.
Why it matters
The Dracut election could have significant implications for the town's leadership and policy direction. DiRocco and Thibault have very different visions for Dracut, and their past conflicts suggest a contentious campaign ahead. The outcome of the selectmen's race could shape the town's approach to development, transparency, and other key issues.
The details
Incumbent Heather Santiago-Hutchings has taken out papers for a third term on the Board of Selectmen, but has not yet returned them as of Friday morning. Former Selectman Joe DiRocco, who retired from the board in 2024, has pulled nomination papers and is expected to run again. Architect Phil Thibault, who has been active in zoning and planning issues in Dracut for years, has also pulled papers and is likely to challenge DiRocco. The two have a history of bitter debates, including over the town's access television station.
- The deadline to return nomination papers is Saturday, March 14 at 4 p.m.
- DiRocco and Thibault faced off in the 2022 town election, with DiRocco winning reelection.
The players
Heather Santiago-Hutchings
The incumbent Dracut selectman, seeking a third term on the board.
Joe DiRocco
A former Dracut selectman who retired in 2024 but is now running again for a seat on the board.
Phil Thibault
An architect who has been active in Dracut's zoning and planning issues for years, and is challenging DiRocco for a selectman's seat.
What they’re saying
“This guy is a volunteer. He has volunteered for this town and has showed up at meetings and done his work every time he has been asked to do so.”
— Tony Archinski, Dracut Selectman (Lowell Sun)
“While his experience of the town has been narrow, mine are broad and inclusive.”
— Phil Thibault, Dracut Selectman Candidate (Lowell Sun)
“I spend my time talking to people and learning what's important. My opponent spends his time with friends who think it's OK to cut down our town and degrade people.”
— Joe DiRocco, Former Dracut Selectman (Lowell Sun)
What’s next
Voters in Dracut will head to the polls on March 26 to decide the two open selectmen's seats. The race between DiRocco and Thibault is expected to be closely watched, with the potential for a rematch of their previous bitter contest.
The takeaway
The Dracut election highlights the ongoing tensions and divisions within the town's political landscape. The selectmen's race could serve as a proxy battle between different visions for Dracut's future, with the outcome potentially shaping the town's approach to development, transparency, and other key issues.
