Since 1977, Richard Neal has won 3 city council elections, 3 mayoral elections, and 18 United States House of Representatives elections. Neal began his career in elected office after winning election in 1977 to the city council of Springfield, Massachusetts. After twice winning reelection to the city council (in 1979 and 1981), Neal was elected mayor of the city in 1983. He was twice reelected mayor, in 1985 and 1987.