Boston, September 15, 2025
News Summary
Josh Kraft has suspended his Boston mayoral campaign, paving the way for incumbent Mayor Michelle Wu to seek a second term. Kraft finished a distant second in the preliminary election, garnering just 23.07% of the vote compared to Wu’s 71.84%. He cited a desire to focus on philanthropy and community issues, announcing a $3 million donation aimed at addressing substance abuse in the Mass and Cass area. With Kraft’s withdrawal, Wu is positioned to run virtually unopposed in the upcoming general election.
Boston — Less than 48 hours after the preliminary mayoral election, Josh Kraft suspended his campaign for Boston mayor, clearing an effectively uncontested path for incumbent Mayor Michelle Wu to secure a second term.
Top-line facts
Kraft ended his campaign after finishing a distant second in the preliminary vote, in which Wu captured 71.84% of ballots and Kraft received 23.07%. The withdrawal came during a televised interview with a local journalist and was framed as a move away from divisive politics toward philanthropic work and community-focused efforts. Kraft announced a $3 million donation to address substance abuse in the Mass and Cass area and stated a belief that he can make a greater impact through philanthropy than by continuing a negative campaign.
Key details and immediate effects
Kraft’s decision effectively clears the way for Mayor Wu ahead of the general election scheduled for November 4. Kraft spent $5.5 million of his own money on the campaign. In the preliminary results, Wu won 264 of 275 precincts; none of the other leading challengers — including Kraft, third-place finisher Domingos DaRosa, and fourth candidate Robert Cappucci — carried any precinct.
Ballot replacement and legal rules
Under state law, a candidate who withdraws can be replaced on the general election ballot if the next-highest vote-getter meets specified vote and signature thresholds. In this case, the third-place finisher, Domingos DaRosa, did not meet the signature requirement to automatically replace Kraft. DaRosa received 2,409 votes in the preliminary contest, while the number of signatures required to qualify for the preliminary ballot was 3,000. DaRosa has indicated plans to pursue a recount and to seek placement on the ballot if legal and procedural conditions allow.
Campaign dynamics and analysis
Political analysts highlighted the magnitude of Kraft’s deficit as a central reason his campaign faltered, noting that it is highly unusual for a candidate to advance to the final stage of a mayoral race while trailing the front-runner by nearly 50 percentage points. Analysts also placed the campaign’s end in a broader context, mentioning heightened concerns nationally about political polarization and political violence, and suggesting those concerns influenced strategic decisions by candidates and their teams.
Reasons given for withdrawal
Kraft cited a campaign environment he described as marked by mudslinging and negativity, and said he wanted to avoid further divisive politics. He framed his withdrawal as a move to encourage more productive civic conversations and to focus on direct philanthropic action to help the city address urgent problems, including substance use in the Mass and Cass neighborhood.
Responses and next steps
Mayor Wu acknowledged Kraft’s decision and signaled intent to continue community engagement through the remainder of the campaign period. With Kraft off the ballot and replacement options constrained by signature and vote thresholds, the general election is likely to proceed with Wu effectively unopposed unless DaRosa successfully overturns or changes his ballot status through a recount or other legal process.
What to watch before November 4
- Outcome of any recount request or legal challenges by Domingos DaRosa.
- Formal paperwork or filings that would place a replacement candidate on the ballot under state law.
- Implementation details of Kraft’s announced $3 million donation and any related programs in the Mass and Cass area.
- Official certification of preliminary results and any procedural votes tied to candidate withdrawal or replacement.
Background
Boston’s mayoral race moved to the general election after a preliminary contest that narrowed the field. Incumbent Mayor Michelle Wu entered the final stage with an overwhelming lead in precinct-level returns and overall vote share, while challengers were unable to secure widespread support. The Mass and Cass neighborhood has been a focal point for city and community efforts addressing substance use and homelessness, which has been cited by local leaders and candidates as a priority requiring urgent attention and investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Josh Kraft suspend his campaign?
Kraft suspended his campaign following a preliminary election in which he finished a distant second. He cited the negative tone of the race and said he wanted to focus on philanthropy and constructive community work rather than continuing a divisive campaign.
Does Kraft’s withdrawal mean Michelle Wu is guaranteed re-election?
Kraft’s withdrawal makes it very likely Mayor Wu will win a second term, given her wide margin in the preliminary vote. However, official outcomes depend on ballot rules and any successful challenges or replacements before the November 4 general election.
Can another candidate replace Kraft on the ballot?
Yes, state law permits a replacement if the next-highest vote-getter meets required signatures and vote thresholds. In this case, the third-place finisher did not meet the signature threshold to automatically replace Kraft, but has indicated plans for a recount and further legal action.
What are the immediate practical effects of Kraft’s announced donation?
Kraft has pledged $3 million to address substance abuse issues in the Mass and Cass area. The donation is meant to support programs and services focused on that neighborhood; details about program administration and timelines were not finalized at the time of the campaign suspension.
When is the next election date?
The Boston general election is scheduled for November 4.
Quick reference table
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Preliminary vote share — Michelle Wu | 71.84% |
| Preliminary vote share — Josh Kraft | 23.07% |
| Third-place candidate (votes) | Domingos DaRosa — 2,409 votes |
| Signatures required for preliminary ballot | 3,000 |
| Kraft campaign spending | $5.5 million of personal funds |
| Announced philanthropy | $3 million to address substance abuse in Mass and Cass |
| Precincts won by Wu | 264 of 275 |
| General election date | November 4 |
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Additional Resources
- Boston Globe: Kraft Exit Clears Path for Wu
- NY Times: Kraft Drops Out of Mayoral Race
- CNN: Kraft Suspends Campaign for Boston Mayor
- Boston.com: Wu Responds to Kraft’s Withdrawal
- The Hill: Political Analysis on Kraft’s Withdrawal
- Wikipedia: Boston Mayoral Election
- Google Search: Josh Kraft Boston mayoral race
- Google Scholar: Boston Mayoral Election 2025
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Boston City
- Google News: Josh Kraft
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.
