Could Will Flanagan run again for mayor? His latest move is the biggest indicator yet

With Fall River Mayor Paul Coogan announcing he will not seek reelection in 2028, speculation has already begun over who might succeed him.

One name that has generated discussion among residents is former mayor Jasiel Correia, following his recent release from federal custody. However, the strongest buzz surrounds former mayor Will Flanagan and the possibility of a political comeback.

Flanagan’s path since being elected in 2009 has been nothing short of eventful. He lost a recall election to Sam Sutter, appeared in several films and made-for-tv movies, became the face of Cosmopolitan Dispensary on Hartwell Street, and has served on the Diman Regional Vocational Technical High School Board, his alma mater. Most notably, he nearly lost his life in a vicious, unprovoked attack in 2025.

Calls for Flanagan to run for mayor again have never fully faded, and his recent social media activity has only intensified the speculation. On Saturday afternoon, he posted: “As mayor, I would work to transform our waterfront into the premier destination of New England. Residents would no longer want to leave the city, and people would be making plans to visit. What do you want to see on our waterfront?”

If that doesn’t sound like someone who is heavily leaning toward running for the office, I don’t know what does.

With plenty of time remaining for candidates to formally enter the race, talk of potential contenders is likely to continue for the foreseeable future.