Boston, October 16, 2025
News Summary
The Boston City Council District 7 race has narrowed to two candidates, Rev. Miniard Culpepper and Said ‘Coach’ Ahmed, following the vacancy left by Tania Fernandes Anderson’s conviction. Affordable housing and responses to the housing crisis are top priorities for both candidates, alongside plans addressing public safety issues in the Mass and Cass area. The debate scheduled for October 16 will further illuminate their proposals as they vie for the position representing the diverse communities of District 7.
Boston
The Boston City Council District 7 seat has no incumbent on the November ballot. The race is now a head-to-head contest between two candidates after a crowded preliminary field and the vacancy created by a criminal conviction of the former councilor.
Top line
Former Boston City Councilor Tania Fernandes Anderson vacated the seat after a federal conviction for public corruption involving a $7,000 kickback. Initially, the race featured 11 candidates, now narrowed down to two: Rev. Miniard Culpepper and Said “Coach” Ahmed. Both candidates list affordable housing as their top campaign priority and are presenting plans to respond to the housing crisis in District 7.
Key campaign proposals
Rev. Miniard Culpepper is a lifelong resident of District 7, an attorney, and pastor of Pleasant Hill Missionary Baptist Church. His proposals for addressing the housing crisis include:
- Gentrification neutralization plans.
- Section 8 homeownership.
- Public housing development ownership by tenants.
- HUD-acquired homeownership through a residents-only lottery.
- Establishing a real estate investment trust (REIT) for lower moderate-income housing.
- Implementing rent control measures.
Said “Coach” Ahmed has roots in Roxbury and arrived in Boston at age 12 from Somalia. He cites over 15 years of experience in the Boston Public School system. His housing proposals include:
- Rent control.
- More resources for first-time homebuyers.
- The Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Act to prevent rentals from being sold without tenant knowledge.
Public safety and recovery plans
Both candidates emphasize addressing the issues at Mass and Cass, a crisis area needing recovery solutions. The Boston City Council has passed a resolution to create a recovery campus to assist those in need at Mass and Cass. Rev. Miniard Culpepper advocates for a project similar to The Care Campus in Skid Row, Los Angeles. Said “Coach” Ahmed supports creating a safe injection site and engaging South End residents in advocacy.
Economic development and district priorities
Economic investment is a component of both campaigns, with a shared focus on empowering small businesses in District 7. Candidates have criticized recent development patterns in the district that they say do not benefit long-time residents, and both say city-level policies must better protect and expand housing access and local business opportunity.
Debate and next steps
A debate about the candidates’ qualifications and plans will occur on October 16, hosted by the Urban League of Eastern Massachusetts, moderated by WBZ-TV’s Jon Keller and Jacquetta Van Zandt. The outcome of the November ballot will determine who represents District 7, which covers a geographically and demographically diverse area of the city.
District context and background
District 7 includes diverse communities: Roxbury, Dorchester, the South End, and Fenway. The seat is open following the departure of Tania Fernandes Anderson and the narrowing of the candidate field from 11 to two contenders. Affordable housing remains the dominant issue in local conversations, reflecting rising rents, ongoing development projects, and concerns about displacement and access for low- and moderate-income residents.
FAQ
Q: Who currently holds the District 7 seat on the November ballot?
A: The Boston City Council District 7 seat has no incumbent on the November ballot.
Q: Why is the seat open?
A: Former Boston City Councilor Tania Fernandes Anderson vacated the seat after a federal conviction for public corruption involving a $7,000 kickback.
Q: How many candidates are in the race now?
A: Initially, the race featured 11 candidates, now narrowed down to two: Rev. Miniard Culpepper and Said “Coach” Ahmed.
Q: What neighborhoods are in District 7?
A: District 7 includes diverse communities: Roxbury, Dorchester, the South End, and Fenway.
Q: What is the top campaign priority for both candidates?
A: Affordable housing is the top campaign priority for both candidates.
Q: What are some specific housing proposals from Rev. Miniard Culpepper?
A: Culpepper’s proposals for addressing the housing crisis include: Gentrification neutralization plans; Section 8 homeownership; Public housing development ownership by tenants; HUD-acquired homeownership through a residents-only lottery; Establishing a real estate investment trust (REIT) for lower moderate-income housing; Implementing rent control measures.
Q: What are some specific housing proposals from Said “Coach” Ahmed?
A: Ahmed’s housing proposals include: Rent control; More resources for first-time homebuyers; The Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Act to prevent rentals from being sold without tenant knowledge.
Q: What are the candidates proposing for Mass and Cass?
A: Both candidates emphasize addressing the issues at Mass and Cass, a crisis area needing recovery solutions. The Boston City Council has passed a resolution to create a recovery campus to assist those in need at Mass and Cass. Culpepper advocates for a project similar to The Care Campus in Skid Row, Los Angeles. Ahmed supports creating a safe injection site and engaging South End residents in advocacy.
Q: When and where is the debate?
A: A debate about the candidates’ qualifications and plans will occur on October 16, hosted by the Urban League of Eastern Massachusetts, moderated by WBZ-TV’s Jon Keller and Jacquetta Van Zandt.
Quick Reference Table
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Seat status | The Boston City Council District 7 seat has no incumbent on the November ballot. |
| Reason for vacancy | Former Boston City Councilor Tania Fernandes Anderson vacated the seat after a federal conviction for public corruption involving a $7,000 kickback. |
| Candidates | Rev. Miniard Culpepper; Said “Coach” Ahmed |
| Initial field | Initially, the race featured 11 candidates, now narrowed down to two: Rev. Miniard Culpepper and Said “Coach” Ahmed. |
| Top campaign priority | Affordable housing is the top campaign priority for both candidates. |
| District communities | District 7 includes diverse communities: Roxbury, Dorchester, the South End, and Fenway. |
| Debate | October 16; hosted by the Urban League of Eastern Massachusetts; moderated by WBZ-TV’s Jon Keller and Jacquetta Van Zandt. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Boston Globe Endorses Rev. Miniard Culpepper for City Council
Medford City Council Election Candidates Compete
Portsmouth School Board Candidates Outline Priorities Ahead of Election
Massachusetts Municipal Budgets Strained by Rising Costs
Boston Proposes Ban on E-Bikes and Mopeds for Food Delivery
Downtown Boston Forum Examines Recovery Strategies
Michelle Wu’s Historic Win in Boston Mayoral Primary
Boston Councilors Struggle for Influence Amid Progressive Majority
Boston’s Office Market Faces 25-Year High Vacancy Rate
Boston City Council Rejects Safe Injection Sites Resolution
Additional Resources
- CBS News: District 7 Boston City Council Candidates
- Wikipedia: Affordable Housing
- Boston Herald: Boston City Council Ordinance for Affordable Housing
- Google Search: Boston City Council
- CBS News: Meet the District 7 Candidates
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Affordable Housing
- Dorchester Reporter: Council Forum on Key Issues
- Google News: Boston City Council
- Jamaica Plain News: Q&A with Mejias on Affordable Housing
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