Boston, September 8, 2025
News Summary
Boston’s voters are gearing up for a preliminary election that will determine the top two mayoral candidates for the November general election. Incumbent Mayor Michelle Wu is seeking re-election against challengers, including wealthy candidate Josh Kraft. Campaign dynamics are heating up as both candidates face intense scrutiny over their finances and public support. Polls show strong backing for Wu, with early voting already taking place. This election will be critical in shaping the future of Boston’s leadership.
Boston — Boston voters will take part in a municipal preliminary election on Tuesday that will narrow the mayoral field to two finalists ahead of the Nov. 4 general election. Incumbent Mayor Michelle Wu is seeking a second term and faces a high-profile financial challenge from Josh Kraft, a wealthy challenger and son of the owner of the New England Patriots.
What’s at stake
The preliminary election will reduce the mayoral candidate list to the top two vote-getters, who will advance to the general election on November 4. The mayor’s office is officially nonpartisan, meaning all candidates appear on the same ballot regardless of party registration. Polls for the preliminary will close at 8 p.m. ET.
Leading candidates and campaign dynamics
Michelle Wu is the incumbent mayor and a registered Democrat seeking re-election. Josh Kraft, also a registered Democrat, has positioned himself as a significant financial challenger. Kraft previously led the New England Patriots Foundation and the Boys & Girls Club of Boston. Other candidates in the race include former police officer Robert Cappucci and community organizer Domingos DaRosa.
Campaign spending and finances
As of the end of August, Kraft had outspent Wu on campaign activity, with expenditures reported at $5.5 million compared with Wu’s $1.1 million. More than $5 million of Kraft’s spending came from loans he made to his own campaign. Despite those expenditures, Wu entered the final days of the preliminary with more cash on hand, approximately $2.4 million, while Kraft had about $1.3 million available.
Polling and voter attitudes
A recent Emerson College poll showed strong support for the incumbent, with Wu leading Kraft by a wide margin, 72% to 22%. The poll indicated a drop of seven points in Kraft’s support since a prior survey. Voter ratings for the mayor’s job performance are high, with nearly three in four respondents viewing her leadership favorably. Kraft’s favorability was lower, at 26%.
Voter sentiment also reflected policy-specific opinions. About two-thirds of respondents supported the city’s sanctuary policy, under which Boston Police do not cooperate with federal immigration enforcement. There was notable disapproval of proposals to deploy National Guard troops to Boston.
Voter registration and turnout
Boston has nearly 422,000 registered local voters. The party breakdown is approximately 39% Democrats, 4% Republicans, and 56% unaffiliated. Turnout during the 2021 mayoral preliminary was just under 25% of registered voters, with about a quarter of those votes cast early or by mail. Ahead of this preliminary, more than 25,000 ballots had already been cast: 54% from Democrats, 3% from Republicans, and 42% from independent voters.
Recent campaign developments
The Kraft campaign experienced internal changes in recent days, having parted ways with two top advisors. Fundraising reports show differences in recent months: Wu raised about $1.9 million this year while Kraft raised over $3.3 million in the same period. Despite those fundraising totals, the spending and cash-on-hand figures shifted the financial dynamics heading into the preliminary.
Historical context and voting geography
In the 2021 mayoral contest, Wu won the preliminary with 33% of the vote and went on to win the general election with 64% of the vote. During that preliminary, she lost several wards including Wards 6 and 7 (South Boston) and Ward 16 (South Dorchester), areas where former presidential voting patterns favored the Republican candidate in 2024. She also lost additional wards in North and South Dorchester, the South End, and West Roxbury.
Recounts and result procedures
In Massachusetts, recounts are not automatic; candidates must petition for a recount if they wish to challenge the results. Officials will report results once vote tallies close and winners become mathematically certain.
What else is on the ballot
The municipal election also includes contests for the Boston City Council alongside the mayoral race. After the preliminary, the general election will be held in 56 days on November 4, when voters will choose between the two finalists for mayor and decide city council seats.
FAQ
When is the preliminary election?
The preliminary election is on Tuesday. Polls close at 8 p.m. ET.
What does the preliminary decide?
The preliminary narrows the mayoral field to the top two vote-getters, who will advance to the general election on November 4.
Who are the main candidates?
Incumbent Mayor Michelle Wu is running for re-election. Her leading challenger is Josh Kraft. Other candidates include Robert Cappucci and Domingos DaRosa.
How much have the campaigns spent?
Through the end of August, Kraft reported $5.5 million in expenditures, including more than $5 million in loans to his campaign. Wu reported $1.1 million in expenditures. Entering the final days, Wu had about $2.4 million on hand and Kraft about $1.3 million.
How many voters are registered in Boston?
There are nearly 422,000 registered local voters: about 39% Democrats, 4% Republicans, and 56% unaffiliated.
What are the rules on recounts?
Recounts in Massachusetts are not automatic. A candidate must petition for a recount to challenge the results.
Quick reference table
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Preliminary election date | Tuesday (polls close 8 p.m. ET) |
| General election date | November 4 (56 days after preliminary) |
| Leading candidates | Michelle Wu (incumbent), Josh Kraft |
| Other candidates | Robert Cappucci, Domingos DaRosa |
| Registered voters (approx.) | 422,000 |
| Party registration | 39% Democrats, 4% Republicans, 56% unaffiliated |
| Early ballots cast (preliminary) | Over 25,000 (54% Democrats, 3% Republicans, 42% independents) |
| Spending (end of August) | Kraft $5.5M, Wu $1.1M (Kraft included >$5M in loans) |
| Cash on hand (final days) | Wu $2.4M, Kraft $1.3M |
| Recent poll (Emerson College) | Wu 72%, Kraft 22% |
| Recount rule | Recounts require a candidate petition in Massachusetts |
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Additional Resources
- NBC Boston: Boston Mayor Election Preview 2025
- Boston.com: Contributors to the 2025 Boston Mayoral Election
- MassLive: Wu Takes Massive Lead over Kraft in New Boston Mayoral Poll
- Wicked Local: Boston Mayor Election Voting Day is Coming Up
- Axios: Boston Mayor Election Issues
- Wikipedia: Boston
- Google Search: Boston Mayoral Election 2025
- Google Scholar: Boston Mayor Race
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Boston Mayoral Election
- 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.
