Michelle Wu Leads Josh Kraft in Boston Mayor Race

News Summary

A recent Suffolk University poll shows incumbent Boston Mayor Michelle Wu leading challenger Josh Kraft with 60% support among likely voters. The survey reveals that 7% of voters are undecided, with minor candidates Domingos DaRosa and Robert Cappucci trailing. Despite controversy over housing issues, Wu maintains a 66% favorability rating. Kraft’s campaign targets specific voter groups but faces challenges, including Wu’s strong support in key areas. As the election approaches, voter perceptions will be crucial for both candidates.

BOSTON – A recent poll conducted by Suffolk University and the Boston Globe reveals that incumbent Mayor Michelle Wu holds a substantial lead over her challenger, Josh Kraft, in the run-up to the preliminary election scheduled for September 9, 2025. According to the survey, Wu has the backing of 60% of likely voters, whereas Kraft garners only 30% support.

The poll, which took place between July 13 and July 16, sampled 500 residents in Boston, allowing analysts to gauge voter sentiment. The findings highlight that approximately 7% of those surveyed remain undecided, while two other candidates, Domingos DaRosa and Robert Cappucci, trail with 3% and 1% respectively.

In terms of voter perceptions, Wu enjoys a favorability rating of 66%, significantly outpacing Kraft, whose favorability stands at 36%, coupled with a notable 42% unfavorable rating. This disparity indicates a challenge for Kraft as he seeks to make up lost ground before the election.

Voters were asked to identify their top priorities, with housing cited by 26% of respondents and the economy/jobs by 17.2%. Despite the criticisms directed at Wu regarding her management of the housing crisis and bike lane implementations, which more than half of the respondents believe have complicated transportation, 64.6% of those polled approve of her job performance.

While Wu enjoys broad support, Kraft has found a foothold among specific voter groups. He leads with 52% support among public safety workers and garners 64% approval from self-identified conservatives. His campaign has banked $3.2 million in fundraising, contrasting with Wu’s $1.3 million.

Despite a solid financial backing and niche support, Kraft’s campaign faces an uphill battle. Experts note the inherent difficulty of unseating an incumbent mayor in Boston. Many potential voters expressing concerns about Wu’s governance still indicate intentions to support her, complicating Kraft’s efforts to close the gap.

In response to the criticisms regarding Wu’s handling of local issues, her campaign has called on Kraft to disclose his financial records, drawing attention to potential conflicts of interest tied to a proposed soccer stadium project in Everett. Wu’s strategy includes attempting to associate Kraft with controversial figures, which may have contributed to his unfavorable rating among voters.

As the election approaches, Kraft’s campaign has focused on engaging with the community and articulating his vision for Boston’s future. However, with voter sentiments heavily favoring Wu and her policies, particularly in areas such as affordable housing and climate change initiatives, the road ahead for Kraft remains fraught with challenges.

The margin of error for the poll stands at plus or minus 4.4 percentage points, indicating the potential for fluctuations in voter support as the election date nears. However, the current data paints a picture of a strong lead for Wu as she vies to retain her position as Boston’s mayor.

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Additional Resources

• Boston.com: Contributors to the 2025 Boston Mayoral Election
• NBC Boston: Wu Leads Kraft in Poll
• MassLive: Wu Jumps to 30-Point Lead
• Boston Globe: Wu Leads in Suffolk Poll
• Wikipedia: 2025 Boston Mayoral Election
• Boston Herald: 2025 Election Cycle