Boston, September 6, 2025
News Summary
In the lead-up to Boston’s preliminary election, Mayor Michelle Wu is showing a commanding lead over challenger Josh Kraft, according to a recent Emerson College poll. Wu has garnered 72% support from likely voters, marking a significant increase from earlier this year. Meanwhile, Kraft’s support has dwindled to 22%. The poll reflects broad approval of Wu’s performance, with many voters favoring her progressive policies. As the September election approaches, both candidates are intensifying efforts to mobilize voters in anticipation of the November general election.
Boston —
Mayor Michelle Wu holds a dominant lead over challenger Josh Kraft as Boston approaches the preliminary election on September 9, 2025.
Key finding: A recent Emerson College poll conducted September 2–3, 2025, of 555 likely voters shows Michelle Wu at 72% support and Josh Kraft at 22%. The gap positions Wu well ahead as the city moves toward a vote that will narrow the field to two candidates for the November 4, 2025 general election.
Poll highlights and voter views
The Emerson College survey reports substantial growth in Wu’s support since February, rising from 43% to 72%, a 29 percentage-point increase. In the same period, Kraft’s support fell from 29% to 22%, a decline of 7 points. Other candidates in the race, Domingos DaRosa and Robert Cappucci, register at 2% and 1% respectively.
Voter sentiment toward the mayor is broadly positive in the poll: 66% of respondents approve of Wu’s performance in office and 73% hold a favorable view of her overall. By contrast, 58% of voters express an unfavorable view of Kraft.
Demographic breakdown
- White voters: 74% support Wu
- Hispanic voters: 61% support Wu
- Black voters: 79% support Wu
- Asian voters: 81% support Wu
Policy issues and legal challenge
The poll shows broad approval for the city’s sanctuary policy, with 67% of voters backing the rule that limits local police cooperation with federal immigration officers. The Trump administration’s Department of Justice has filed a lawsuit challenging that policy on the grounds it undermines law enforcement. The Wu administration has indicated it will defend the policy and pursue legal steps to protect the city’s stated rights and legal position.
Public reaction to federal law-enforcement measures is also notable: 77% of Boston voters oppose the idea of deploying National Guard troops to the city to address crime, according to the same poll.
Campaign landscape and next steps
With the preliminary election scheduled for September 9, 2025, both campaigns are concentrating on voter contact and turnout. The preliminary will reduce the field to two candidates for the November 4 general election. Wu’s campaign is emphasizing voter mobilization in the final days before the preliminary; Kraft’s campaign is framing its message around a more moderate approach compared with the mayor’s progressive platform.
Context
Michelle Wu, a Democrat and the city’s first female mayor, was first elected in 2021. Josh Kraft is the son of a high-profile sports franchise owner and presents himself as a moderate alternative. Recent polling trends have shown consistent strength for Wu: a July poll showed a similar double-digit advantage for the mayor, reinforcing the trajectory reported in the Emerson College survey.
The results of the preliminary will shape the fall campaign and likely determine whether the November general election becomes a rematch between the top two finishers or opens space for a different dynamic. The legal dispute with the Department of Justice could also affect campaign messaging and voter attention in the coming weeks.
What to watch
- Voter turnout in the September 9 preliminary and which two candidates advance to November 4.
- Developments in the Department of Justice lawsuit and any court rulings that affect city policy or campaign narratives.
- How campaigns respond to voter concerns about crime, immigration, and city services in the final weeks before the preliminary.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the poll’s headline numbers?
- The Emerson College poll taken September 2–3, 2025, of 555 likely voters shows Michelle Wu at 72% and Josh Kraft at 22%.
- When is the preliminary election?
- The preliminary election is scheduled for September 9, 2025. The top two finishers will advance to the November 4, 2025 general election.
- How has support changed since earlier in the year?
- Wu’s support rose from 43% in February to 72% in the September poll, a 29-point increase. Kraft’s support decreased from 29% to 22% over the same period.
- What is the demographic support for Wu?
- The poll shows Wu leading among white (74%), Hispanic (61%), Black (79%), and Asian (81%) voters.
- What legal issue is affecting the campaign?
- The Department of Justice has filed a lawsuit challenging Boston’s sanctuary policy. The city’s administration plans to defend the policy in court.
- How do voters feel about deploying National Guard troops to Boston?
- The poll indicates 77% of Boston voters oppose deploying National Guard troops to the city to address crime.
Quick reference table
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Poll source | Emerson College survey |
| Polling dates | September 2–3, 2025 |
| Sample size | 555 likely voters |
| Top polling numbers | Michelle Wu 72% — Josh Kraft 22% |
| Other candidates | Domingos DaRosa 2%, Robert Cappucci 1% |
| Mayoral approval | 66% approve of Wu’s performance |
| Sanctuary policy approval | 67% support |
| Opposition to National Guard deployment | 77% of voters oppose |
| Preliminary election | September 9, 2025 |
| General election | November 4, 2025 |
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Additional Resources
- Emerson College Polling
- MassLive
- NBC Boston
- Wicked Local
- WCVB
- Wikipedia: Boston
- Google Search: Boston 2025 mayoral election
- Google Scholar: Boston mayoral polls
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Boston
- Google News: Boston mayoral election 2025
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.
