Boston, September 1, 2025
News Summary
In a recent press conference, Boston mayoral candidate Josh Kraft accused the Wu administration of intentionally postponing key city council hearings to evade voter scrutiny before the preliminary election on September 9. Kraft highlighted several delayed issues ranging from public health emergencies to sidewalk repairs. While the Wu administration attributed the delays to scheduling challenges, political analysts predict an increase in voter engagement as the election approaches, particularly concerning the accusations made by Kraft.
Boston — With the preliminary mayoral election less than two weeks away, candidate Josh Kraft publicly accused the incumbent administration of working with allied City Councilors to delay hearings on several high-profile local issues until after the September 9 preliminary. Kraft is trailing in polls and made the accusations during a public appearance outside City Hall alongside Councilors Erin Murphy and Ed Flynn, both known critics of Mayor Michelle Wu.
Key developments
Josh Kraft framed the postponed hearings as part of a deliberate effort to avoid voter scrutiny before the preliminary election. He pointed to a resolution introduced by Councilor Ed Flynn that would declare a public health emergency in the Mass. and Cass area — Boston’s focal point for substance abuse concerns — as an example of a proposal that was sent to committee by councilors aligned with the mayor. Kraft characterized committee referral as where proposals stall indefinitely. He also cited postponed hearings related to sidewalk repairs, trash collection, school bus safety and planned school closures.
The Wu administration attributed the timing of hearings to scheduling difficulties and stated that city offices have been working to supply information requested by councilors. City and state officials also rejected allegations that assessors raised property taxes on some commercial property owners for contesting valuations; Kraft referenced a watchdog group’s claims about that issue as part of his criticism.
Campaign context and polling
Kraft, a nonprofit leader and the son of New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft, launched his campaign in February. Both Kraft and incumbent Michelle Wu are running as Democrats in the city’s officially nonpartisan mayoral contest. A July poll showed Wu holding a substantial lead among likely voters, with 59% support to Kraft’s 29%. Two other candidates — Domingos DaRosa and Robert Cappucci — registered far lower support at 2.8% and 0.8% respectively, while 6.6% of voters remained undecided. Political analysts predict increased voter engagement as the September preliminary nears and expect Wu and Kraft to be the most likely pair to advance to the November general election.
Exchange of criticisms
The race has featured reciprocal attacks on policy and characterization. Kraft has focused campaign messaging on issues including Boston’s limited housing supply, rising renovation costs for White Stadium, and the spread of public drug use. The incumbent’s campaign has pushed back by questioning Kraft’s sources of funding, personal finances and the specifics of his proposals, intensifying scrutiny in the closing days before the preliminary vote.
Voting timeline and logistics
Early voting for the preliminary election runs from August 30 through September 5. Voters can also request a ballot to vote by mail; the deadline to request a mail ballot is September 2. The general election, if required for the top two finishers, is scheduled for November 4, with the final voter registration deadline of October 25. The Boston mayoral contest is running alongside the City Council election, and voters will decide multiple municipal offices during this cycle.
What to watch before the preliminary
Observers will be watching whether the delayed hearings are rescheduled before the preliminary and whether accusations about administrative coordination influence undecided voters. Key near-term indicators include any revisions to the calendar for council hearings, campaign responses from both candidates, and turnout during the early voting window. Political analysts note that closer attention from the electorate typically increases as an election approaches, which could affect momentum for either campaign.
Background
Boston’s mayoral election is officially nonpartisan but dominated by candidates who identify with the Democratic Party. The preliminary eliminates all but two candidates, who then face off in the November general. Incumbent mayors in Boston have often used their record on city services and public safety as central campaign themes, while challengers frequently target perceived gaps in housing, transit and public health responses. This year’s contest has been marked by heightened focus on public drug use and municipal service delivery, alongside debates about fiscal policy and development priorities.
FAQ
Q: When is the Boston mayoral preliminary election?
A: The preliminary election is scheduled for September 9.
Q: When does early voting begin and end for the preliminary?
A: Early voting runs from August 30 through September 5.
Q: What is the deadline to request a mail ballot for the preliminary?
A: Mail ballot requests must be submitted by September 2.
Q: Who are the leading candidates and what do polls show?
A: Incumbent Michelle Wu and challenger Josh Kraft are the leading candidates. A July poll showed Wu at 59% and Kraft at 29% among likely voters, with two other candidates holding small shares and about 6.6% undecided.
Q: What accusations did Josh Kraft make?
A: Kraft accused the Wu administration and supportive City Councilors of delaying council hearings on issues such as a proposed public health emergency declaration for the Mass. and Cass area, sidewalk repairs, trash pickup, school bus safety and school closures to avoid addressing them before the preliminary election.
Q: How did the Wu administration respond?
A: The administration cited scheduling difficulties for delays and said city staff have been responding to council information requests. City and state officials denied allegations related to assessors raising taxes on property owners who contested valuations.
Quick reference table
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Preliminary election date | September 9 |
| Early voting | August 30 – September 5 |
| Mail ballot request deadline | September 2 |
| General election date | November 4 |
| Final voter registration (general) | October 25 |
| Top polling figures (July poll) | Michelle Wu 59% — Josh Kraft 29% — Undecided 6.6% |
| Other candidates (polling) | Domingos DaRosa 2.8% — Robert Cappucci 0.8% |
| Likely general election contenders | Michelle Wu and Josh Kraft (analyst expectations) |
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Additional Resources
- MassLive: Kraft Hits Wu on Every Topic Possible
- NBC Boston: Boston Voters Will Narrow Mayoral Candidate Field
- Boston.com: Contributors to the 2025 Boston Mayoral Election
- Wicked Local: Boston Mayoral Election Voting Day is Coming Up
- WCVB: Boston 2025 Mayoral Election Dates
- Wikipedia: Boston Mayoral Election
- Google Search: Boston Mayoral Election 2025
- Google Scholar: Boston Mayoral Election
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Boston
- Google News: Boston Mayoral Election
Author: STAFF HERE BOSTON WRITER
BOSTON STAFF WRITER The BOSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBoston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Boston, Suffolk County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Boston Marathon, Head of the Charles Regatta, and Boston Harborfest. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce and Associated Industries of Massachusetts, plus leading businesses in finance, biotech, and insurance that power the local economy such as Fidelity Investments, Biogen, and Liberty Mutual Insurance. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Massachusetts's dynamic landscape.
