NEW CUMBERLAND — Only two seats will see contested races as part of Chester’s municipal election in May.

The Ward 1 and Ward 5 council seats will both be open following adjustments made in the city’s ward boundaries, with multiple candidates signing up for each. Nathan Wright currently represents Ward 1, but has relocated to the city’s third ward. On the ballot are three candidates, Bill Kell, Leon Huff and Seth Roderick Patton seeking to fill the spot.

Councilman Steve Shuman, of Ward 5, will face a challenge from Donald Tharp and current Ward 4 Councilman Jason Thorn, who was among those affected by the ward boundary changes.

Running unopposed to keep their seats are Mayor Ed Wedgewood and Ward 2 Councilman John Woodruff.

Matt Cashdollar also is seeking election to Thorn’s former Ward 4 seat.

By 2032, all municipal governments like Chester are required to align their elections in conjunction with county and state elections. Hancock County commissioners and the city of Chester completed that in December as required by Senate Bill 50.

Chester officials hope this will help boost their municipal voter turnout numbers starting with the 2026 primary, which is set for May 12.