Boston, October 17, 2025
News Summary
Two candidates, Said Ahmed and Rev. Miniard Culpepper, are vying to fill the open Council seat in Boston’s District 7 after a resignation linked to corruption. In a recent hour-long debate moderated by local organizations, both candidates presented their positions on key issues including housing affordability, small business support, and economic development. This race, taking place less than three weeks before the November general election, highlights significant policy differences and emerging tensions between the candidates.
Boston
Two candidates are competing to replace a former councilor in Boston’s District 7 following a resignation tied to federal corruption charges, and they debated key issues less than three weeks before the November general election. The debate took place in Roxbury, less than three weeks before the general election on November 4. The District 7 position is the only open seat on the November ballot, following Fernandes Anderson’s resignation after pleading guilty to corruption charges and being sentenced to a month in prison.
What happened
An hour-long debate between Said Ahmed and Rev. Miniard Culpepper was held at a Residence Inn in Roxbury with more than 60 supporters attending the event. More than 60 supporters attended the hour-long debate at a Residence Inn in Roxbury. The forum was moderated and co-hosted by local civic groups and community organizations and focused on economic development, housing affordability, gentrification, and how to allocate resources within District 7.
Who the candidates are
Ahmed, a former track star and coach, positioned himself as a “young, energized fighter” with experience working with youth in Boston Public Schools. Culpepper, a longtime attorney and senior pastor, emphasized his decades of grassroots community advocacy. Both candidates expressed the intention to be independent in their representation but had different strategies concerning alignment with the mayor’s office.
Key policy differences
On support for small businesses and economic development, Ahmed advocated for including affordable commercial space in new developments and educating businesses on Community Development Block Grants. For economic support, Ahmed advocated for including affordable commercial space in new developments and educating businesses on Community Development Block Grants. Culpepper proposed designating District 7 as an “empowerment zone” to attract federal tax incentives and funding.
Housing emerged as a major dividing line. Ahmed supported rent control while Culpepper presented his “gentrification neutralization plan,” focusing on increasing homeownership for Section 8 voucher holders. Culpepper proposed designating District 7 as an “empowerment zone” to attract federal tax incentives and funding. Both candidates spoke about strategies to protect long-time residents from displacement, but they proposed different policy tools to get there.
Campaign conduct and tensions
Tensions rose during the debate when Ahmed questioned Culpepper’s record on housing issues and highlighted their age difference. Culpepper maintained confidence in his qualifications, stressing his decades of experience in law and community leadership. Towards the debate’s end, both candidates framed themselves as trustworthy and ethical leaders who could help restore integrity to the office following recent scandals.
Ahmed has faced accusations of misconduct during his campaign, including harassment allegations, but a court case against him was ultimately dismissed. Multiple civic leaders criticized Ahmed for a misleading Instagram post that implied endorsements which he later retracted.
Election context and background
In the September preliminary election, Ahmed received 1,170 votes and Culpepper 1,112, advancing them to the general election after a crowded initial field of 11 candidates. Both candidates have run for public office before: Ahmed previously ran for a State House seat and Culpepper ran for a state Senate seat, with neither campaign resulting in an earlier win. District 7 includes a diverse mix of neighborhoods characterized by historically marginalized communities, including Roxbury, parts of Dorchester, Fenway, and the South End.
Debate organizers and format
The debate was moderated by two local hosts and co-hosted by several community organizations, including neighborhood business groups and civil rights organizations. The format was an hour long with question-and-answer segments and opportunities for each candidate to present specific plans and rebuttals.
What voters should know
- The general election date is November 4.
- The District 7 seat is the only open seat on the November ballot in Boston.
- Key issues in the race include housing affordability, gentrification, small business support, and how to distribute city resources within District 7.
FAQ
Where and when did the debate take place?
The debate took place in Roxbury, less than three weeks before the general election on November 4.
How many people attended the debate?
More than 60 supporters attended the hour-long debate at a Residence Inn in Roxbury.
Who are the candidates advancing to the general election?
Ahmed received 1,170 votes and Culpepper 1,112, advancing them to the general election after a crowded initial field of 11 candidates.
Why is the District 7 seat open?
The District 7 position is the only open seat on the November ballot, following Fernandes Anderson’s resignation after pleading guilty to corruption charges and being sentenced to a month in prison.
What are the candidates’ positions on economic support?
For economic support, Ahmed advocated for including affordable commercial space in new developments and educating businesses on Community Development Block Grants.
What proposals did Culpepper make to boost district funding?
Culpepper proposed designating District 7 as an “empowerment zone” to attract federal tax incentives and funding.
What are the candidates’ housing proposals?
Ahmed supported rent control while Culpepper presented his “gentrification neutralization plan,” focusing on increasing homeownership for Section 8 voucher holders.
Have there been accusations against any candidate?
Ahmed has faced accusations of misconduct during his campaign, including harassment allegations, but a court case against him was ultimately dismissed.
Was there controversy around campaign endorsements?
Multiple civic leaders criticized Ahmed for a misleading Instagram post that implied endorsements which he later retracted.
Quick reference table
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Election Date | November 4 |
| Debate Location | Residence Inn in Roxbury |
| Debate Attendance | More than 60 supporters |
| Candidates | Said Ahmed; Rev. Miniard Culpepper |
| Preliminary Votes | Ahmed: 1,170 votes; Culpepper: 1,112 |
| Key Issues | Housing affordability, gentrification, small business support, resource allocation |
| Open Seat Background | Fernandes Anderson resigned after pleading guilty to corruption charges and being sentenced to a month in prison |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- CBS News: District 7 Boston City Council Candidates Debate
- Boston Globe: Boston District 7 Candidate Debate
- Boston Herald: Ex-Boston City Councilor Heads to Prison
- Boston.com: Boston City Council Support for Safe Injection Sites
- Wikipedia: Boston
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