Harvard Mayor Jay Nolan Beats Back Strong Challenge by William Parker Posted on 04/09/2013 by Cal SkinnerApril 9, 2013 Mayor Jay Nolan pitched his candidacy at the Harvard Expo. Harvard Mayor Jay Nolan overcame a strong challenge from challenger William Parker to retain his mayoral seat. With early and absentee ballots still to be added Harvard Mayor Jay Nolan led his opponent William Parker by 51 votes.