News Summary
The Boston mayoral election is heating up as incumbent Michelle Wu prepares to face challenger Josh Kraft following a preliminary election. Wu secured a commanding lead with over 71% of the votes while Kraft garnered 23%. As both candidates spotlight their differing visions for the city, the campaign will focus on key issues like housing, drug management, and political integrity. With lower voter turnout this year, both Wu and Kraft aim to engage the electorate leading up to the final vote in November.
Boston’s Mayoral Race Heats Up: Wu vs. Kraft!
The race for the mayor of Boston is officially set between current Mayor Michelle Wu and her challenger Josh Kraft after the recent preliminary election held on September 9, 2025. Wu, looking to secure a second term, is no stranger to the campaign trail, having made history in 2021 as the first woman and person of color elected to lead the city.
Preliminary Results: A Strong Advantage
In the preliminary election, Wu received an impressive 71.6% of the vote, compared to Kraft’s 23.3%. This means Wu has a hefty 48-point lead heading into the final showdown in November, setting the stage for an exciting campaign in the coming months.
Celebrations and Campaign Strategies
Celebrating her preliminary victory at Adams Park, Wu emphasized the idea that, in Boston, “wins can’t be bought.” This was likely a nod to Kraft’s significant campaign spending, prompting discussions about the influence of money in politics. Wu’s campaign is buoyed by endorsements from influential Democratic figures, including Senate heavyweights Elizabeth Warren and Edward Markey, as well as Representative Ayanna Pressley.
Meet the Challenger: Josh Kraft
Josh Kraft, the son of New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft, brings a different background to his candidacy. He has previously led the nonprofit New England Patriots Foundation and has been involved with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston, giving him a solid foundation in community service. Despite being from the same party as Wu, the two candidates have opposing views on critical local issues like housing and drug addiction management.
Issues on the Table
Both candidates have their positions, and the conversations around them are heating up. Wu’s administration has faced criticism over the renovation plans for White Stadium, perceived by critics, including Kraft, as overpriced. However, Wu has highlighted her efforts in addressing housing challenges, climate change, and public safety, while Kraft argues that she has not done enough to tackle the rising cost of living and drug addiction issues in the city.
The Political Landscape: Recent Legal Challenges
Adding another layer of complexity to the campaign, there’s a recent lawsuit filed by the U.S. Justice Department against the city concerning Boston’s “sanctuary city” laws involving Wu and other officials. Wu has positioned herself as a defender of the city, particularly against what she describes as federal overreach from the previous administration.
Looking Ahead: The Final Stretch
Despite his lower preliminary vote count, Kraft remains determined and emphasized the gravity of the upcoming election in November. Both candidates are now focusing on outreach, with Kraft aiming to connect with Boston’s Black voters and criticizing Wu for allegedly being out of touch with local communities. Wu, meanwhile, continues to emphasize Boston’s identity as a city of possibility and self-governance.
Voter Engagement: A Call for Action
Interestingly, the preliminary election saw a voter turnout of just 18%, which is lower than the 25% turnout in the last competitive election back in September 2021. Both candidates recognize the importance of these next two months as they gear up for the general election scheduled for November 4, 2025.
The Final Showdown Awaits
As November approaches, the excitement in Boston is palpable, and with contrasting visions for the city’s future, the upcoming election promises to be a significant moment in the city’s history. Will Wu maintain her position or will Kraft pull off a surprising upset? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the spotlight will be on Boston this fall!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- NBC News: Boston Mayor Results
- Boston Globe: Boston Mayor Election Wu vs. Kraft
- AP News: Boston Mayor Election Highlights
- CBS News: Boston Mayor Race
- Wikipedia: Politics of Boston
Author: STAFF HERE PHILADELPHIA WRITER
PHILADELPHIA STAFF WRITER The PHILADELPHIA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhiladelphia.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Mummers Parade, Philadelphia Flower Show, and Thanksgiving Day Parade. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Philadelphia, plus leading businesses in telecommunications, food services, and healthcare that power the local economy such as Comcast, Aramark, and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Pennsylvania's dynamic landscape.
