Boston, October 26, 2025
News Summary
The Boston City Council is undergoing significant political challenges as candidates vie for council seats amidst a corruption scandal involving Tania Fernandes Anderson. Key issues include rising housing costs and food security concerns. Editorial endorsements for the At-Large race highlight candidates Onuoha, Murphy, Louijeune, and Baker, each with unique policy priorities aimed at addressing affordability and public safety. The council is also considering proposals for affordable housing and publicly-owned grocery stores in response to community needs.
Boston — The Boston City Council is navigating a turbulent political moment as candidates compete for seats amid a corruption scandal and mounting concerns about housing and food security. An editorial board has endorsed Onuoha, Murphy, Louijeune, and Baker for City Council. The council’s recent year has been marked by questions of public trust and calls for practical solutions to rising costs and housing shortages.
Top developments
The Boston City Council has faced challenges during a tumultuous year, including the Tania Fernandes Anderson corruption scandal. At the same time, city leaders and advocates are pushing proposals to turn surplus city property into affordable housing and to explore publicly-owned grocery stores to address food access.
At-Large race and endorsed candidates
The At-Large race includes four prominent contenders: Will Onuoha, Erin Murphy, Ruthzee Louijeune, and Frank Baker. Each candidate brings different experience and policy priorities that are shaping voter discussions.
Will Onuoha
Onuoha has served as Executive Director of the City of Boston’s Office of Fair Housing, Equity & Civil Rights and as Deputy Commissioner/Director of Housing at the Boston Inspectional Services Department. Onuoha emphasizes the development of workforce housing aimed at residents in less lucrative occupations who struggle to find affordable accommodations.
Erin Murphy
Murphy has served on the council since 2021 and is presented as a pragmatic voice on public safety and addiction-related policy. She has opposed safe injection sites in favor of recovery sites for people with substance use issues and has advocated for residents living near the Mass and Cass area where drug-related public nuisances have been raised as a community concern.
Ruthzee Louijeune
Louijeune is described as a progressive candidate who has supported exploring government-run grocery stores to address food insecurity. She also called for Tania Fernandes Anderson’s resignation in the aftermath of the corruption allegations as part of efforts to restore public trust in the council.
Frank Baker
Baker previously served as a City Councilor for District 3 for 12 years and stepped back two years ago amid redistricting debates. He has indicated a desire to return to the City Council following encouragement from constituents.
Policy priorities on housing and food access
Housing affordability is a central issue. Mayor Michelle Wu signed a new ordinance designed to turn surplus city property into affordable housing units, an initiative intended to keep Boston livable for families and younger residents who are increasingly priced out of the city. City officials and advocates emphasize the importance of using vacant public land to create new housing units.
Food security has also risen on the council’s agenda. A hearing order introduced by a councilor seeks to explore the feasibility of publicly-owned grocery stores as a response to rising food costs and unequal access to healthy food. This discussion occurs amid reported increases in food prices and growing food insecurity.
Relevant statistics and proposals
- A 3% increase in food prices was noted in August 2025 compared to the previous year.
- Food insecurity in Massachusetts has surged, with 37% of households facing food insecurity, up from 19% in 2019.
- Support for exploring publicly-owned grocery stores has been voiced by multiple councilors, citing successful examples from other cities as models.
Political support and balance on the council
There is public discussion about the need for a balanced City Council focused on constituents’ needs rather than a single agenda. Former Mayor Martin Walsh has publicly endorsed candidates who represent a balanced voice for the City Council. A super PAC linked to Walsh’s allies, named “A Balanced and Better Boston”, has formed to support certain candidates while opposing others deemed unfit.
Background and context
The council’s recent challenges include the fallout from the Tania Fernandes Anderson corruption scandal, which has prompted calls for restored accountability and transparency. At the same time, rising costs for housing and food have led to policy proposals that seek immediate relief and long-term structural changes, including repurposing public land for housing and examining new models for grocery access.
Voters and community groups are watching the At-Large race and council hearings closely for candidates and policies that prioritize practical solutions to affordability, public safety, and basic needs access.
What to watch next
- Decisions on the hearing order to explore publicly-owned grocery stores and any follow-up action.
- Implementation plans and timeline for the ordinance converting surplus city property into affordable housing.
- Campaign developments and voter engagement in the At-Large race featuring Onuoha, Murphy, Louijeune, and Baker.
FAQ
Which candidates were endorsed for City Council?
An editorial board has endorsed Onuoha, Murphy, Louijeune, and Baker for City Council.
What scandal has affected the Boston City Council this year?
The Boston City Council has faced challenges during a tumultuous year, including the Tania Fernandes Anderson corruption scandal.
What is being proposed to address food costs in Boston?
The proposal for publicly-owned grocery stores is being explored to combat rising food costs and create better food access.
How much did food prices change recently?
A 3% increase in food prices was noted in August 2025 compared to the previous year.
What are the recent food insecurity figures for Massachusetts?
Food insecurity in Massachusetts has surged, with 37% of households facing food insecurity, up from 19% in 2019.
Quick reference table
| Topic | Key Facts |
|---|---|
| Endorsements | An editorial board has endorsed Onuoha, Murphy, Louijeune, and Baker for City Council. |
| Council challenges | The Boston City Council has faced challenges during a tumultuous year, including the Tania Fernandes Anderson corruption scandal. |
| Food prices | A 3% increase in food prices was noted in August 2025 compared to the previous year. |
| Food insecurity | Food insecurity in Massachusetts has surged, with 37% of households facing food insecurity, up from 19% in 2019. |
| Housing policy | Mayor Michelle Wu signed an ordinance to turn surplus city property into affordable housing to address the housing crisis. |
| Super PAC | “A Balanced and Better Boston” is a super PAC linked to allies of former Mayor Martin Walsh supporting certain candidates. |
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Additional Resources
- Boston Herald: Editorial on City Council Endorsements
- CBS News: District 7 Boston City Council Updates
- Boston.com: Publicly-Owned Grocery Stores Proposal
- MassLive: Boston Housing Crisis Solutions
- Boston.com: Marty Walsh Endorses Alexandra Valdez
- Wikipedia: Boston City Council
- Google Search: Boston City Council 2025 elections
- Google Scholar: Boston City Council housing policy
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Urban Housing Crisis
- Google News: Boston food security
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