Boston, September 16, 2025
News Summary
In a significant turn of events, incumbent Mayor Michelle Wu has moved closer to re-election following Josh Kraft’s withdrawal from the 2025 mayoral ballot. Wu garnered nearly 72% of the votes in the preliminary election, while Kraft secured about 23%. With the election set for November 4, 2025, Wu’s campaign focuses on progressive reforms in housing and education, profiting from a substantial lead and endorsements from key Democratic figures. Voter turnout reached approximately 92,430 ballots, offering insight into public sentiment ahead of the general election.
Boston — Incumbent Mayor Michelle Wu has advanced toward the final mayoral election on November 4, 2025, after challenger Josh Kraft removed himself from the 2025 mayoral ballot following the preliminary election. Preliminary results showed Wu captured nearly 72% of the vote while Kraft received about 23%. Two other candidates, Domingos DaRosa and Robert Cappucci, received minimal support. Approximately 92,430 ballots were cast in the preliminary contest.
What changed after the preliminary election
Kraft’s withdrawal from the ballot means he will not appear as a listed candidate in the November general election. Despite his removal, Kraft said he remains committed to continuing campaign efforts in some form after the preliminary results. Wu’s large margin in the preliminary was consistent with recent polls, including a noted Emerson College poll that showed similar support levels.
Immediate implications for the final race
With Kraft off the ballot and Wu holding a substantial lead from the preliminary, the mayoral contest has moved toward a decisive advantage for the incumbent. Wu’s campaign has emphasized progressive policy goals around housing and education. Kraft’s campaign had focused criticism on Wu’s record in those areas and on responses to the city’s addiction issues. Some local voters who feel the city’s approach to addiction is insufficient had supported Kraft in the preliminary.
Voter turnout and election logistics
Voter participation in the preliminary reached roughly 92,430 ballots. The Boston Elections Department has faced scrutiny and was taken over by state authorities last fall after lapses in vote handling, a factor that continues to influence public confidence in election administration.
Background on the candidates and context
Michelle Wu is the first woman and the first person of color elected mayor of Boston. Her administration has drawn national attention for its stances on federal immigration enforcement and for positioning on broader national political debates. Wu’s administration is currently facing a lawsuit from the U.S. Department of Justice concerning Boston’s sanctuary city policies.
Josh Kraft is the son of New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft. Kraft’s family connections to national political figures have been a campaign factor, and those ties created political challenges in a city where criticism of certain national figures is pronounced. Kraft had earlier said he hoped to finish within 15 percentage points of Wu, but the preliminary results put him well behind.
Campaign themes and endorsements
Wu’s campaign has highlighted progressive reforms in housing and education and has drawn endorsements from prominent state Democratic figures, including two U.S. Senators and a U.S. Representative. Kraft criticized Wu’s record on public safety, addiction policy, and specific local projects like the renovation of White Stadium. These contrasts framed much of the preliminary debate.
Legal and administrative context
The city’s handling of elections and certain policy decisions have been under scrutiny. The Boston Elections Department was placed under state oversight last fall for issues related to vote handling. Separately, the Department of Justice lawsuit over sanctuary policies remains an active legal matter involving the mayor’s administration.
Next steps toward the November election
The final municipal election for mayor is scheduled for November 4, 2025. With Kraft off the ballot and Wu holding a commanding lead from the preliminary, attention is expected to focus on turnout, any remaining challengers or write-in campaigns, and continued legal and administrative questions tied to the mayor’s office.
Summary of key facts
- Preliminary vote: Michelle Wu ~72%, Josh Kraft ~23%.
- Ballots cast: Approximately 92,430.
- Kraft status: Removed himself from the 2025 mayoral ballot, but indicated continued campaign efforts.
- Final election date: November 4, 2025.
- Major issues: Housing, education, public safety/addiction response, immigration enforcement, election administration.
- Legal matters: U.S. Justice Department lawsuit concerning sanctuary policies.
- Endorsements for Wu: Included senior Massachusetts Democratic elected officials.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Josh Kraft remove himself from the ballot?
Kraft withdrew from the official ballot following the preliminary election results. He indicated he would continue campaign-related efforts despite withdrawing his name from the ballot, but he will not appear as a listed candidate in the November election.
What were the preliminary election results?
Preliminary tallies showed Michelle Wu with nearly 72% of the vote, Josh Kraft with about 23%, and two other candidates with small shares. Approximately 92,430 ballots were cast in the preliminary.
When is the final mayoral election?
The final municipal election for mayor is scheduled for November 4, 2025.
What are the main issues in the campaign?
Key campaign issues include housing policy, education reform, public safety and addiction response, immigration enforcement and sanctuary city policy, and local infrastructure projects like White Stadium.
Are there legal challenges involving the mayor’s office?
Yes. The U.S. Department of Justice has filed a lawsuit pertaining to Boston’s sanctuary city policies, and the mayor’s administration is involved in that legal matter.
Quick Reference: Key Election Details
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| City | Boston |
| Incumbent Mayor | Michelle Wu |
| Preliminary vote share | Michelle Wu ~72% | Josh Kraft ~23% |
| Other candidates | Domingos DaRosa, Robert Cappucci (minimal support) |
| Ballots cast (preliminary) | Approximately 92,430 |
| Kraft ballot status | Removed from 2025 mayoral ballot; indicated ongoing campaign efforts |
| Final election date | November 4, 2025 |
| Major legal issue | U.S. Department of Justice lawsuit over sanctuary city policy |
| Elections oversight | Boston Elections Department placed under state oversight last fall |
| Notable endorsements | Several senior Massachusetts Democratic elected officials endorsed Michelle Wu |
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Additional Resources
- Boston Herald: Lucas Make Way for Wu
- New York Times: Boston Mayor Wu Preliminary Election
- Boston Globe: Boston Mayor Election Wu-Kraft
- Emerson College Polling: Boston 2025 Poll Mayor Michelle Wu
- NBC News: Boston Mayor Michelle Wu Challenger Josh Kraft Advance
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.
