Boston, September 13, 2025
News Summary
Josh Kraft has suspended his campaign for mayor of Boston following a significant preliminary election defeat to incumbent Michelle Wu. Wu garnered approximately 72% of the votes, while Kraft obtained about 23%. Despite significant self-funding of his campaign, Kraft’s efforts failed to resonate widely with voters. He plans to redirect remaining campaign resources toward addressing substance abuse issues in the city. With Kraft’s exit, Wu remains the clear frontrunner for reelection, and the focus now shifts to how she will address key community concerns.
Boston — Josh Kraft has suspended his campaign for mayor of Boston, bowing out after a decisive preliminary election loss to incumbent Mayor Michelle Wu. Wu captured roughly 72% of the vote in the preliminary contest, while Kraft received about 23%, leaving Wu with a clear path toward a second term.
Top details
Kraft announced the end of his campaign after consulting with supporters, family members, and residents of Boston. The decision followed an initial statement in which he had indicated an intention to continue running despite the lopsided preliminary results. With Kraft withdrawing, the campaign now moves forward with Wu as the dominant candidate seeking reelection.
Immediate implications
The preliminary results and Kraft’s suspension make Michelle Wu the strong front-runner for mayor. Wu has maintained high popularity while in office and has positioned her administration around community engagement and public safety. Kraft’s exit reduces the field, consolidating support around Wu and clarifying the election landscape for the next stage.
Campaign performance and spending
Kraft self-funded much of his bid, spending approximately $5.5 million of his own money during the campaign. Despite that significant investment, analysts observed that heavy spending did not translate into voter support or electoral momentum. Kraft struggled to resonate with a broad base of voters, reflected in the preliminary vote share.
Planned use of remaining resources
Kraft committed to redirecting remaining campaign resources toward city needs, with an initial plan to invest $3 million to address substance abuse issues, beginning with work focused on the Mass and Cass area. He stated an intent to continue civic work outside elected office after ending the campaign.
Candidate profiles and campaign contrast
Josh Kraft is the son of New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft and has held leadership roles including head of the New England Patriots Foundation and leadership of the Boys & Girls Club of Boston. He ran as a moderate Democrat, positioning himself in contrast to Wu’s progressive platform. Campaign debates between the two touched on local issues such as bike lanes and plans to renovate White Stadium in Franklin Park.
Michelle Wu is seeking a second term as mayor and has emphasized community engagement, public safety, and making Boston welcoming for residents and visitors. Her strong performance in the preliminary vote underscores substantial public support for her incumbency and priorities.
Local reaction and next steps
Mayor Wu acknowledged and respected Kraft’s decision to suspend his campaign and thanked him for his commitment to the city. Kraft expressed a desire to focus on unity and meaningful civic discourse rather than political mudslinging and indicated he would continue working to improve Boston through public service and targeted funding efforts outside the electoral arena.
With Kraft’s withdrawal, attention will turn to how remaining campaign contributions are deployed and how Wu’s administration plans to address priority issues raised during the campaign, including substance abuse response, public space investments, and transportation planning.
Background and context
The mayoral preliminary is a blanket primary from which the top vote-getters advance. Both Wu and Kraft advanced from that primary, along with two other minor candidates who did not significantly affect the outcome. Kraft’s campaign, despite high personal spending and organizational backing, was unable to close the gap against a well-established incumbent.
Key issues highlighted during the campaign
- Substance abuse response and targeted investments in high-need neighborhoods, including Mass and Cass.
- Public safety and community engagement initiatives.
- Transportation and neighborhood planning, including bike lane policy.
- Renovation and use of public recreation spaces, notably White Stadium in Franklin Park.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Josh Kraft suspend his campaign?
Kraft suspended his campaign after a decisive preliminary election loss in which he received about 23% of the vote, compared with Michelle Wu’s approximately 72%. He cited consultations with supporters, family, and community members and expressed a preference for focusing on unity and civic work outside the race.
What were the preliminary election results?
Michelle Wu received about 72% of the vote in the preliminary election; Josh Kraft received about 23%. Two other minor candidates were also on the ballot but did not significantly affect the top results.
How much did Kraft spend on his campaign?
Kraft spent roughly $5.5 million of his own money during the campaign. Despite the spending, analysts noted it did not translate into widespread voter support.
What will Kraft do with remaining campaign resources?
Kraft committed to redirecting remaining campaign resources toward addressing substance abuse in the city, starting with a $3 million investment focused on the Mass and Cass area.
What happens next for the mayoral race?
With Kraft suspended from the race, Michelle Wu remains the frontrunner for a second term. The focus will shift to how Wu’s campaign and administration address the key issues raised during the election season and how redirected resources from Kraft’s campaign will be used in the community.
Quick reference table
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| City | Boston |
| Incumbent | Michelle Wu |
| Challenger (suspended) | Josh Kraft |
| Preliminary vote share (Wu) | ~72% |
| Preliminary vote share (Kraft) | ~23% |
| Campaign spending by Kraft | Approximately $5.5 million (self-funded) |
| Planned community investment from remaining funds | $3 million focused on substance abuse response in Mass and Cass |
| Key campaign issues | Substance abuse response, public safety, bike lanes, White Stadium renovation |
| Next steps for Kraft | Redirect resources to community work and continue civic engagement outside elected office |
| Next steps for Wu | Continue reelection effort and focus on community engagement and city priorities |
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Additional Resources
- Boston Globe: Josh Kraft Suspends Mayoral Campaign
- CNN: Josh Kraft Drops Out of Mayor Race
- CBS News: Josh Kraft Withdraws from Boston Mayoral Race
- Wikipedia: 2025 Boston Mayoral Election
- USA Today: Michelle Wu and Josh Kraft Mayoral Race
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.
