Boston, September 2, 2025
News Summary
The preliminary election for Boston’s mayoral race is set for September 9, featuring incumbent Mayor Michelle Wu and challengers Josh Kraft, Domingos DaRosa, and Robert Cappucci. Current polling shows Wu leading with 59% support, followed by Kraft at 29%. The election will help determine which candidates advance to the November general election. Voters can participate through early in-person voting from August 30 to September 5 or on election day from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mail-in ballots must be requested by September 2.
Boston — The preliminary election for the city’s mayoral race is scheduled for September 9, with incumbent Mayor Michelle Wu running for reelection against challengers Josh Kraft, Domingos DaRosa, and Robert Cappucci. Current public polling shows a substantial lead for Wu at 59% compared with 29% for Kraft, and political analysts expect the preliminary vote to narrow the field to Wu and Kraft for the general election.
Top-line details
The race is conducted as a nonpartisan preliminary where candidates from any political affiliation compete. Early in-person voting is scheduled from August 30 to September 5. On election day, in-person voting hours will be 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Voters who prefer to vote by mail must request a ballot by September 2.
What poll data and expectations show
Recent polling places Mayor Wu well ahead of her closest rival. Analysts say the poll gap and active fundraising by both leading campaigns are shaping expectations and voter attention, which could affect turnout patterns in the preliminary. Observers note that while Wu currently leads, past mayoral contests have shown that expectations and campaign dynamics can shift voter behavior as the race progresses.
Campaign themes and criticisms
Challenger Josh Kraft has criticized aspects of the incumbent administration, including accusations of delaying City Council hearings in the run-up to the election. His campaign centers on concerns about Boston’s low housing supply, public drug use, and the rising projected costs tied to renovation plans for White Stadium. Kraft is positioning himself to appeal to voters who perceive administrative inefficiencies and want more immediate changes.
Mayor Wu’s campaign points to administrative progress on several issues, including steps credited with helping to reduce drug overdose deaths and expanded outreach and services aimed at supporting people experiencing homelessness. The campaign frames these developments as part of ongoing efforts to address public health and housing challenges.
Election mechanics and next steps
The preliminary election on September 9 will determine which candidates move to the general election set for November 4. The last day to register to vote for the general election is October 25. Voters have three main options: vote early in person during the early voting window, vote in person on election day between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m., or request and return a mail-in ballot by the required deadline.
Both the Wu and Kraft campaigns are actively fundraising and conducting outreach across neighborhoods. While DaRosa and Cappucci remain on the ballot, current polling and expert commentary indicate they have not generated significant support to challenge the two front-runners.
Historical context
Political analysts reference historical races to illustrate how expectations and perceived frontrunners can influence turnout and voter sentiment. One noted example is the 1975 mayoral contest between Kevin White and Joe Timilty, which analysts cite to show that early expectations can change and that campaign momentum and voter engagement remain important factors through the election cycle.
What voters should know now
Voters should confirm their registration status, note the early voting window and the mail ballot request deadline, and review candidate positions on local priorities. Key dates to remember are early voting August 30–September 5, preliminary election September 9, and the general election November 4 with voter registration by October 25. The campaign landscape is expected to narrow to two candidates after the preliminary, shaping the contest toward the November general election.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the preliminary mayoral election in Boston?
The preliminary election is on September 9.
Who are the candidates in the race?
Incumbent Mayor Michelle Wu is running for reelection. Her challengers in the preliminary include Josh Kraft, Domingos DaRosa, and Robert Cappucci.
What do recent polls indicate?
Recent polls show Mayor Wu with approximately 59% support and Josh Kraft with about 29%. Analysts currently expect Wu and Kraft to be the top two vote-getters, advancing to the general election.
When can I vote early, and what are the hours on election day?
Early in-person voting runs from August 30 to September 5. In-person polling places will be open on election day from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
How do I vote by mail?
Voters who wish to vote by mail must request a ballot by September 2. Procedures for requesting and returning a mail ballot are set by local election authorities.
When is the general election, and what is the registration deadline?
The general election is on November 4. The last day to register to vote in that election is October 25.
Quick reference table
| Item | Information |
|---|---|
| Preliminary Election Date | September 9 |
| Leading Poll Numbers | Michelle Wu 59% — Josh Kraft 29% |
| Early Voting | August 30–September 5 |
| Election Day Hours | 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. |
| Mail Ballot Request Deadline | September 2 |
| General Election | November 4 |
| General Election Registration Deadline | October 25 |
| Candidates Listed | Michelle Wu, Josh Kraft, Domingos DaRosa, Robert Cappucci |
| Main Campaign Issues Noted | Housing supply, public drug use, homelessness services, White Stadium renovation costs |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Boston City Council to Address Public Health Emergency at Mass and Cass
Mass Hole Donuts Faces Uncertain Future Amid Bike Lane Plans
Renovation Work Begins at White Stadium in Franklin Park
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Additional Resources
- MassLive: Kraft Hits Wu on Every Topic Possible
- Wikipedia: Main Page
- NBC Boston: Boston Voters Will Narrow Mayoral Candidate Field
- Google Search: Boston Mayoral Election 2025
- Boston.com: Contributors to the 2025 Boston Mayoral Election
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Boston
- The Sun Chronicle: Boston’s Mayoral Election Analysis
- Google News: Boston Mayoral Election 2025
- Wicked Local: Voting Day is Coming Up
- Axios: Mayor Election Issues
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.
