Boston, September 10, 2025
News Summary
Preliminary election results for the Boston City Council and mayoral race have narrowed the candidate field significantly, moving from 41 to 24 candidates. Four at-large council seats and various district contests are shaping up ahead of the November general election. The mayoral race has also highlighted the incumbent, Michelle Wu, and challenger Josh Kraft as the top candidates advancing. The dynamics within the council are influenced by recent changes and controversies, setting the stage for a competitive election season.
Boston
Preliminary election results narrowed the field of candidates for Boston City Council and the mayoral race, reducing the council candidate roster from 41 to 24 and producing clear front-runners headed into the November 4 general election. Unofficial returns from the city’s preliminary ballot count show the four at-large council seats and multiple district contests moving toward final contests in November, while the mayoral preliminary produced two candidates who will advance to the general ballot.
Key outcomes and what advances to November
The at-large City Council preliminary narrowed the list to 10 leading candidates from which voters will choose four finalists for the general election. With 69.8% of at-large ballots counted unofficially, the top vote-getters were: Ruthzee Louijeune (17.7%, 26,651 votes), Julia Mejia (17.0%, 25,766), Erin Murphy (16.5%, 24,934), and Henry Santana (13.0%, 19,712). The next tier included Frank Baker (11.4%, 17,195) and Alexandra E. Valdez (7.7%, 11,626), among others. The four at-large candidates advancing to the general election will be selected from this group of 10 leading contenders.
In the mayoral preliminary, the two candidates advancing to the general election were the incumbent and one challenger. Unofficial tallies show Mayor Michelle Wu with nearly 72% of the vote and challenger Josh Kraft with about 23%, making them the top two finishers who will move on to the November ballot.
District contests and notable races
The District 7 race, opened by the resignation of the former councilor amid federal corruption charges, drew the largest field of candidates with 13 contenders. With 90% of District 7 ballots counted unofficially, the top four were Said Coach Ahmed (16.2%, 1,054 votes), Samuel Hurtado (14.9%, 968), Mavrick Afonso (14.7%, 952), and Said Abdirahman Abdikarim (14.5%, 941). Only the top two finishers in District 7 will advance to the general election.
Other district results with substantial counting reported include:
- District 1 (96.5% counted): Incumbent Gabriela Coletta Zapata led with 76.8% (6,738 votes); Andretti R. McDuffie-Stanziani had 14.9% (1,307) and Ricardo M. Rodriguez 7.5% (656).
- District 2 (100% counted): Incumbent Edward M. Flynn led with 86.4% (8,103 votes); Charles Jeffrey Delaney 6.6% (622) and Brian Matthew Foley 6.1% (578).
- District 4 (65.6% counted): Incumbent Brian J. Worrell led with 81.8% (3,569); Helen Y. Cameron had 11.9% (519) and Juwan Khiry Skeens 5.7% (250).
- District 5 (66.8% counted): Incumbent Enrique Pepen led with 56.0% (4,210); Winston Pierre had 29.0% (2,180) and Sharon L. Hinton 14.5% (1,091).
There were no preliminary contests in Districts 3, 6, 8, or 9. District 3 Councilor John FitzGerald and District 8 Councilor Sharon Durkan are running unopposed. District 6 Councilor Ben Weber faces a challenger, Steven Berry, while District 9 Councilor Liz Breadon is contested by Pilar Ortiz.
Context and implications
Boston’s City Council is composed of four at-large seats and nine district councilors, each serving two-year terms. The council operates within a strong-mayor form of government where the mayor holds significant executive power while legislative changes require council approval. Recent controversies and turnover on the council, including the resignation of the District 7 seat holder following federal corruption charges, have contributed to a fragmented council dynamic that is shaping campaign themes and voter focus on housing, diversity, and the balance between local and federal influence on city governance.
With the preliminary results now narrowing many races, candidates who finished among the top vote-getters in their contests will advance to the November 4 general election. Voters will decide the final at-large quartet and the remaining district races on that date. All reported figures are unofficial and reflect the vote counts and percentages available from preliminary canvassing; final certified results will be released by the appropriate city election authorities.
FAQ
What was the main outcome of the Boston preliminary election?
The preliminary election reduced the City Council candidate field from 41 to 24 and identified leading candidates for the at-large seats and several district contests. The mayoral preliminary produced two candidates who will advance to the general election.
Which at-large candidates are leading and how many will advance?
With about 69.8% of at-large ballots counted unofficially, Ruthzee Louijeune, Julia Mejia, Erin Murphy, and Henry Santana were the top four vote-getters. Four at-large candidates will be elected in the November general election, chosen from the top finishers in the preliminary.
What happened in District 7 and why is it significant?
District 7 drew 13 candidates after the previous councilor resigned amid federal corruption charges. The top four candidates with 90% counted were Said Coach Ahmed, Samuel Hurtado, Mavrick Afonso, and Said Abdirahman Abdikarim. Only the top two will advance to the general election.
Which districts had no preliminary contests?
Districts 3, 6, 8, and 9 did not have preliminary contests. District 3 and District 8 incumbents are running unopposed; Districts 6 and 9 have one challenger each.
When is the general election and what will be decided?
The general election is scheduled for November 4. Voters will elect four at-large councilors and district councilors where general election contests remain, as well as the mayor from the two candidates who advanced from the preliminary.
Are these results final?
No. The numbers reported are unofficial preliminary counts. Final certified results will be released by city election officials after canvassing and verification.
Quick reference table — Preliminary counts (selected contests)
| Race | Candidate | Votes | Percent (reported) | Count status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| At-large (top 10 shown) | Ruthzee Louijeune | 26,651 | 17.7% | 69.8% counted (unofficial) |
| Julia Mejia | 25,766 | 17.0% | ||
| Erin Murphy | 24,934 | 16.5% | ||
| Henry Santana | 19,712 | 13.0% | ||
| Frank Baker | 17,195 | 11.4% | ||
| Alexandra E. Valdez | 11,626 | 7.7% | ||
| Marvin Dee Mathelier | 8,660 | 5.7% | ||
| Will Onuoha | 6,999 | 4.6% | ||
| Rachel Nicole Miselman | 4,838 | 3.2% | ||
| Yves Mary Jean | 3,840 | 2.5% | ||
| District 7 (top 4) | Said Coach Ahmed | 1,054 | 16.2% | 90% counted (unofficial) |
| Samuel Hurtado | 968 | 14.9% | ||
| Mavrick Afonso | 952 | 14.7% | ||
| Said Abdirahman Abdikarim | 941 | 14.5% | ||
| District 1 | Gabriela Coletta Zapata (incumbent) | 6,738 | 76.8% | 96.5% counted |
| District 2 | Edward M. Flynn (incumbent) | 8,103 | 86.4% | 100% counted |
| District 4 | Brian J. Worrell (incumbent) | 3,569 | 81.8% | 65.6% counted |
| District 5 | Enrique Pepen (incumbent) | 4,210 | 56.0% | 66.8% counted |
| Mayoral preliminary | Michelle Wu | — | ~72% | Unofficial |
| Mayoral preliminary | Josh Kraft | — | ~23% | Unofficial |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Boston Mayoral Preliminary Election Approaches
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Former Boston City Councilor Sentenced for Fraud
Boston Prepares for Preliminary Municipal Election
Michelle Wu Leads Boston Mayoral Race Against Josh Kraft
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Additional Resources
- Boston Globe
- NBC Boston
- Boston Herald
- MassLive
- WCVB
- Wikipedia: Boston
- Google Search: Boston City Council
- Google Scholar: Boston elections
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Boston government
- Google News: Boston elections
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