Boston, September 5, 2025
News Summary
The upcoming Boston mayoral election will see incumbent Michelle Wu campaigning to retain her position against challengers Josh Kraft, Domingos DaRosa, and Robert Cappucci. With preliminary elections scheduled soon, Wu leads in polls, followed by Kraft. Voter registration deadlines and early voting periods have been established, creating a competitive atmosphere as candidates present their policies on critical issues such as housing and public safety.
Boston
The 2025 Boston mayoral election will feature incumbent Mayor Michelle Wu seeking reelection against three challengers — Josh Kraft, Domingos DaRosa, and Robert Cappucci — with a non-partisan preliminary scheduled for September 9, 2025 and a general election set for November 4, 2025. Voter registration and early voting windows have been set for both the preliminary and general contests, and recent polls and campaign finance reports show clear front-runners and significant self-funding by one challenger.
Key election mechanics and deadlines
The preliminary election on September 9, 2025 will narrow the field to two candidates for the general election on November 4, 2025. The voter registration deadline for the preliminary is August 30, 2025, with early voting available from August 30 to September 5, 2025. For the general election, the voter registration deadline is October 25, 2025, and early voting will be available from October 25 to October 31, 2025.
Front-runners, polling and fundraising
Recent polling indicates Mayor Michelle Wu leading with approximately 60% support, followed by Josh Kraft at 30%. Domingos DaRosa and Robert Cappucci register at roughly 3% and 1%, respectively. Reported campaign finances show Michelle Wu has raised about $1.3 million, while Josh Kraft has raised roughly $3.2 million, including about $2 million in personal funds. Campaign trackers are also reporting both monetary donations and in-kind contributions for the candidates, and negative entries shown in contribution reports represent refunds issued to donors.
Contribution rules
Under Massachusetts regulations administered by the Office of Campaign and Political Finance, individuals may contribute up to $1,000 per year to a candidate, and political action committees (PACs) may contribute up to $500 per year. Campaigns must report monetary and in-kind contributions and any refunds, which appear as negative entries on financial reports.
Who is running
– Michelle Wu: The incumbent mayor elected in 2021; she was the first woman and the first person of color elected to Boston’s mayoralty. She is running for reelection on a record that includes policies addressing homelessness, substance use, housing, and other city services. Her positions on homelessness and substance abuse have faced heightened scrutiny during the campaign cycle.
– Josh Kraft: A candidate with a background in philanthropy and nonprofit leadership, including time leading the Boys & Girls Club and serving as president of a major foundation. Kraft has contributed a substantial portion of his campaign funds personally and has challenged the incumbent on policy implementation and the timing of public hearings tied to public health matters.
– Domingos DaRosa: A community organizer who has run for city council three times without success and emphasizes drug policy and homelessness in his platform.
– Robert Cappucci: A perennial candidate who has run for office multiple times over several decades; descriptions of his background include service as a retired law enforcement officer and military veteran. He is seeking the mayoralty as part of a long history of local campaigns.
Campaign issues and arguments
Top issues shaping the campaign include housing affordability, the quality of Boston Public Schools, public safety, sanitation, and development projects such as the renovation of White Stadium. Candidates are offering contrasting plans on how to address homelessness and substance use; these policy differences have become focal points for debate. One challenger has criticized the administration for delays on hearings related to public health issues, while the administration has cited scheduling challenges as the reason for timing concerns.
Scope and attention
The mayoral race runs concurrently with the 2025 Boston City Council election and has drawn attention beyond the city. National interest has increased following recent testimony by the mayor on federal issues related to the city’s sanctuary status, which has pushed some policy debates onto a larger stage. Campaigns are emphasizing competing visions for Boston’s future as the election approaches.
Where campaign information is tracked
Local trackers and official campaign finance filings will continue to report contributions, in-kind donations, refunds, and other financial activity in the months leading up to both the preliminary and general elections. Voter resources and official registration instructions are available through state and city election offices.
Frequently Asked Questions
When are the preliminary and general mayoral elections in Boston?
The preliminary election is on September 9, 2025, and the general election is on November 4, 2025.
What are the voter registration deadlines and early voting dates?
For the preliminary: voter registration deadline is August 30, 2025, and early voting runs August 30–September 5, 2025. For the general: voter registration deadline is October 25, 2025, and early voting runs October 25–October 31, 2025.
Who are the candidates running for mayor?
Incumbent Michelle Wu is running for reelection. Challengers include Josh Kraft, Domingos DaRosa, and Robert Cappucci.
What do recent polls and fundraising numbers show?
Recent polls show Michelle Wu at around 60% support, Josh Kraft at 30%, Domingos DaRosa at 3%, and Robert Cappucci at 1%. Fundraising reports list approximately $1.3 million raised by Wu and about $3.2 million raised by Kraft, including about $2 million of Kraft’s personal funds.
What are the contribution limits for campaigns?
Individuals may contribute up to $1,000 per year to a candidate, and PACs may contribute up to $500 per year, as set by the state campaign finance authority.
What do negative entries in campaign finance reports mean?
Negative entries generally indicate refunds the campaign has issued to contributors.
Quick Reference Table
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Preliminary election date | September 9, 2025 |
| Preliminary voter registration deadline | August 30, 2025 |
| Preliminary early voting | August 30 – September 5, 2025 |
| General election date | November 4, 2025 |
| General voter registration deadline | October 25, 2025 |
| General early voting | October 25 – October 31, 2025 |
| Top candidates | Michelle Wu (incumbent), Josh Kraft, Domingos DaRosa, Robert Cappucci |
| Recent poll snapshot | Wu 60%, Kraft 30%, DaRosa 3%, Cappucci 1% |
| Reported fundraising | Wu: ~$1.3M; Kraft: ~$3.2M (including ~$2M personal) |
| Contribution limits (MA) | Individuals: $1,000/year; PACs: $500/year |
| Main campaign issues | Housing affordability, public schools, public safety, sanitation, development projects, homelessness and substance use |
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Additional Resources
- MassLive: Kraft Hits Wu on Every Topic Possible
- NBC Boston: 2025 Boston Mayoral Election Voter’s Guide
- WCVB: 2025 Boston Mayoral Election Dates
- Wicked Local: Boston Mayor Election Voting Day Is Coming Up
- NBC Boston: Boston Mayor’s Forum Live Stream
- Wikipedia: Boston
- Google Search: Boston Mayoral Election 2025
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Boston
- Google News: Boston
Author: STAFF HERE BOSTON WRITER
BOSTON STAFF WRITER The BOSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBoston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Boston, Suffolk 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 Boston Marathon, Head of the Charles Regatta, and Boston Harborfest. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce and Associated Industries of Massachusetts, plus leading businesses in finance, biotech, and insurance that power the local economy such as Fidelity Investments, Biogen, and Liberty Mutual Insurance. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Massachusetts's dynamic landscape.
