Geoffrey Epstein Runs for Mayor in Massachusetts

In one of the strangest twists of the 2025 election season, a candidate for mayor in Framingham, Massachusetts, says he’s fighting an uphill battle—not just against political rivals, but against the ghost of a convicted sex trafficker with a nearly identical name.

Meet Geoffrey Epstein. No, not that Jeffrey Epstein. The 53-year-old Australian immigrant, a local business owner and now mayoral hopeful, says social media trolls have been relentless, bombarding him with conspiracy theories, angry demands, and questions about “the list.”

“I get these comments all the time: ‘Show us the list!’ or ‘Why are you running for office when you should be in prison?’” Epstein told News American in an exclusive interview. “It’s as if people can’t tell the difference between a living Aussie and a dead American pedophile.”

The notorious Jeffrey Epstein—an American financier and convicted sex offender with ties to celebrities, politicians, and even British royalty—died in federal custody in 2019, sparking endless online speculation and conspiracy theories that still ripple through American culture. Now, the internet’s obsession with the so-called “Epstein Island” has spilled into Framingham’s city hall race.

But for the real Geoffrey Epstein of Framingham, the mix-up is more of an online headache than a local scandal. “Nobody in Framingham cares,” he said, sounding almost amused. “If anything, people here know who I am. They know I’m not him.”

Still, the bizarre mix-up has attracted national attention. Critics online have accused the candidate of running a “psy-op,” while supporters argue that Americans are simply too easily confused.

“It’s just a name,” said local voter Melissa Rivera, 38. “If we start canceling everyone named Epstein, what’s next?”

The confusion comes as President Donald Trump, now serving his second non-consecutive term, has made “law and order” and anti-corruption a centerpiece of his administration. Trump’s Department of Justice, meanwhile, continues to investigate remnants of the late Epstein’s international network, keeping the scandal alive in the American imagination.

Some pundits wonder if the renewed focus on sex trafficking cases under Trump’s watch is fueling the online hysteria.

“It’s a wild time for anyone with the last name Epstein,” joked Framingham city councilor Dan Linsky. “But Geoff’s as clean as they come. If he wins, maybe we can finally get past the name jokes.”

Geoffrey Epstein isn’t alone. Harvey Epstein, a New York State Assembly member who’s battled jokes about his own “unfortunate portmanteau,” offered a bit of advice for his Massachusetts counterpart.

“Lead with your values and who you are as a candidate,” Harvey told News American. “People will support you if you do the work and follow through.”

For Geoffrey Epstein, that’s exactly the plan. “I can’t change my name, but I can show people what I stand for,” he said. “Hopefully, Framingham voters are smart enough to know the difference.”