The May 20th, 2025, Carmel Central School District board elections were among the most contentious in recent memory. Five candidates—Nicholas Magliano, Frank Grasso, Michael Torpey, Prakash Tewari, and Nathaniel Query—vied for three open seats. The campaign was marked by heated debates, with a significant spotlight on candidate Michael Torpey.

Torpey’s candidacy drew considerable controversy due to widespread allegations of employing racist and hateful rhetoric, which became a central and divisive point of discussion among voters and in local media coverage. Despite these controversies, Torpey secured a win, a victory many attribute to strong name recognition and a significant campaign presence, evidenced by the proliferation of lawn signs throughout the district. Nicholas Magliano, who also won a seat, was noted for running a fair campaign, though his endorsement by the Republican party was perceived by some as a factor that may have slightly tempered his broader appeal. Frank Grasso, the third successful candidate, appeared to navigate the turbulent political waters by maintaining a focus on factual issues and avoiding extreme positions.

For the remaining candidates, Prakash Tewari and Nathaniel Query, the prevailing political climate and the specific dynamics of the Carmel electorate made securing a board seat an uphill battle. The intense scrutiny surrounding Torpey’s campaign and the charged atmosphere appeared to polarize the electorate. A total of 2,403 votes were cast for the school budget, and the election was notable for what was reported as a particularly low voter turnout for the Carmel Central School District, a factor that many believe played a role in the outcome. The community now watches to see how these new dynamics, particularly in light of the contentious election, will shape the future of education in Carmel.