One Year After Surviving Near-Fatal Stabbing, Will Flanagan Announces Run for Fall River Mayor

One year ago, former Fall River Mayor Will Flanagan was fighting for his life. Today, he's talking about second chances, and not just when it comes to his health.

On October 20, 2025, Flanagan was the victim of a violent stabbing on Hartwell Street in Fall River that nearly cost him his life. Exactly one year later, he joined us on The MGM Show to reflect on his recovery, his outlook on life and what comes next.

Flanagan announced on Monday, October 19, that he would once again run for mayor of Fall River in 2027. While the announcement itself made headlines, there's something much deeper behind his decision to return to politics.

READ MORE: Former Fall River Mayor Will Flanagan Stabbed

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A Second Chance at Life

"I feel great," Flanagan told us Tuesday morning. "I'm proud to say that I'm fully recovered."

Is Former Fall River Mayor Will Flanagan Eyeing A Political Comeback?

For Flanagan, surviving the attack changed everything. He explained how the experience brought him closer to his faith and family while reminding him just how fragile life can be.

"Life can change in a second, and tomorrow's never guaranteed to anybody," he said. "When you get a second chance on life like that, it's really eye-opening."

From Surviving to Running Again

Perhaps the most powerful statement of our conversation came when Flanagan connected his recovery to his political future.

"I got a second chance on life, and I hope the voters of Fall River give me a second chance to be their mayor," he said.

Flanagan was just 29 years old when he was first elected mayor in 2009. After serving from 2010 to 2014, his time in office ended following a recall election. Now, nearly two decades after his first victory, he believes age and life experience have given him a different perspective.

As a father and business owner, Flanagan said he better understands the everyday challenges facing working families. He also confirmed that, if elected, his focus would be on serving as mayor, with any potential conflicts involving his dispensary business addressed through the appropriate ethics process.

Fall River Will Always Be Home

Born and raised in Fall River, Flanagan told us he's never lived anywhere else. From attending local schools to working at Stop & Shop and eventually putting himself through college and law school, his roots run deep throughout the city. His campaign is expected to pick up momentum in early 2027, but for now, Flanagan is simply grateful to be alive.

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He concluded our conversation by thanking everyone who prayed for him during his recovery and exactly one year after an attack that nearly ended his life, Flanagan is looking toward the future instead of the past.