At least half of the Barrington Town Councilors and Barrington School Committee members are not running for re-election. 

Council members Carl Kustell, Rob Humm and Annelise Conway each confirmed they are not running for re-election. Kustell serves as Council president and Humm is vice president. 

“I was elected in 2020. In Dec 2028, my now fifth-grader will be a 10th grader,” Kustell wrote in a message to the Barrington Times. “We both agree that I’ve missed a lot of evenings and nights already over the last three and a half years, so I’m not running again this year.

“For me, it’s solely about my kids. If they were older, I’d run again.”

Kustell said he is proud of the work he and his fellow Councilors have accomplished during his time on the board.

“I feel good about fixing the BPD retention problem, striking a compromise between senior housing and open space on the Watson property, renovating the Bay Spring Community Center, improving our infrastructure, supporting veterans and moving forward on climate measures,” Kustell wrote. “I have the deepest respect for each of my Council colleagues and I consider each a good friend. I can’t say enough about the dedication and professionalism of the administration. 

“One personal benefit (from serving on the Council) has been learning from the discussion I’ve had with neighbors throughout town, both during and outside board and Council meetings. There is a high level of engagement in Barrington that you don’t find elsewhere…”

Kustell added: “I’ve met so many great neighbors and I feel lucky to live here. I’m open to running for something in the future, but not this year and probably not in ’26. Family first.”

Barrington School Committee Chairman Patrick McCrann and member Amanda Basse have also decided they will not run for re-election. McCrann has served on the School Committee for six years. Basse has served one term on the committee. 

School Committee member Megan Douglas, who has served eight years, would not say whether she planned to run for re-election. 

“As far as my plans, I’ll just say that’s a good question,” she wrote in a message to the Times.

General Assembly

All three legislators who represent Barrington in the Rhode Island General Assembly will run for re-election.

Senator Pam Lauria (D-Dist. 32, Barrington, East Providence, Bristol) said she will run for a second term, and Rep. Jason Knight (D-Dist. 67, Barrington and Warren) said he will run for a fifth term. Rep. Jennifer Boylan (D-Dist. 66, Barrington and East Providence) said she will run for a second term.

“I am honored to have had the opportunity to serve the people of District 66 and am excited to continue fighting for the issues that matter most to my community,” Rep. Boylan said. “I take my job very seriously, and try my best to be responsive to constituents. I believe that my hard work and track record of delivering results make me the best candidate to continue to represent the district.”