Boston, September 9, 2025
News Summary
Boston voters are participating in a preliminary municipal election to determine candidates for the mayor’s office and City Council seats. Incumbent Michelle Wu holds a substantial lead in polling. Key issues influencing the race include housing affordability, public education, and the city’s sanctuary policies amid federal scrutiny. Polling stations are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., and these elections will shape the upcoming general election.
Boston
Boston voters are casting ballots in a preliminary municipal election on September 9, 2025 to select the top candidates who will advance to the general election on November 4, 2025. The top prize is the mayor’s office, where incumbent Michelle Wu is widely expected to be a leading candidate and currently holds a commanding lead in public polling. Polling stations across the city will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Recent polling from Emerson College shows Michelle Wu leading her nearest rival, Josh Kraft, by more than 50 percentage points. With that gap, analysts and campaign observers expect Wu and Kraft to advance out of the preliminary round, while lesser-known candidates are likely to fall short.
Who is running and what’s at stake
The mayoral field includes Michelle Wu (incumbent mayor since 2021), Josh Kraft (son of a prominent local owner), Robert Cappucci (an 80-year-old retired Boston police officer), and Domingos DaRosa (48, a business owner and community advocate). Voters will also choose candidates for multiple City Council seats, including the hotly contested District 7 race and several at-large seats that could alter the balance of the council.
Campaign dynamics and major issues
The mayoral campaigns have focused on contrasting priorities. Michelle Wu has emphasized housing affordability and efforts to strengthen the public school system since taking office, and her profile grew nationally after she defended the city’s sanctuary policies in federal settings. That defense and the resulting litigation from the Department of Justice have become central elements of her campaign narrative and public attention.
Josh Kraft has pitched a more business-friendly approach, concentrating on local issues such as transportation, housing policy from a different perspective, and critiques of city management, including public schools and public safety. Campaign exchanges between Wu and Kraft have highlighted differences over neighborhood investment and local services, with both campaigns positioning themselves as better able to address everyday concerns of Boston residents.
Legal and federal scrutiny
The Department of Justice has filed a lawsuit against the city related to immigration enforcement, elevating scrutiny of the mayor’s sanctuary city stance. The lawsuit is considered a pivotal factor in the mayoral contest, shaping public debate and influencing voter perceptions about local governance, public safety, and federal relations.
Local council races and citywide implications
City Council contests may produce notable changes in City Hall even if the mayoral outcome follows current expectations. Races for at-large seats and the District 7 seat could shift the council’s policy direction on zoning, transit, budget priorities, and oversight of the mayor’s agenda. Former city councilors and local political figures have weighed in on likely performers; one former councilor predicted a strong showing from candidate Frank Baker in the council races.
Election logistics and voter guidance
Polling places are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on election day. Voters decide which two candidates will move forward to the November general election for mayor while also selecting candidates for City Council seats. Preliminary results will indicate which mayoral contenders advance and provide early signals about shifts in local governance through council outcomes.
What to watch tonight
Key items to monitor as votes are reported include whether the Emerson College polling margin holds up at the ballot box, turnout levels across Boston neighborhoods, performance in District 7 and at-large council races, and the extent to which campaigning on sanctuary policies, housing affordability, and local services drives voter decisions. Campaigns and watchers will also note any surprises among lesser-known mayoral or council candidates.
FAQ
When is the preliminary election?
The preliminary municipal election is on September 9, 2025. Polling places in Boston are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
What positions are voters choosing?
Voters will select mayoral candidates who will advance to the November 4, 2025 general election, plus multiple City Council seats, including District 7 and at-large positions.
Who are the leading mayoral candidates?
The mayoral field includes incumbent Michelle Wu, challenger Josh Kraft, Robert Cappucci, and Domingos DaRosa. Polling indicates Wu has a substantial lead over Kraft and other candidates.
How might federal litigation affect the race?
A Department of Justice lawsuit regarding immigration enforcement has raised federal scrutiny of city policy and become a central issue in the campaign, influencing voter perceptions and campaign messaging.
Where will preliminary results be posted?
Preliminary and official results are posted by the city’s election authorities and will be available through official city election channels after polls close and ballots are counted.
Quick Reference Table
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Election | Boston preliminary municipal election |
| Date | September 9, 2025 |
| Polls open | 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. |
| Advances to general | Top two vote-getters advance to November 4, 2025 general election |
| Leading poll | Emerson College poll shows Michelle Wu leading Josh Kraft by over 50 percentage points |
| Top mayoral candidates | Michelle Wu; Josh Kraft; Robert Cappucci (80); Domingos DaRosa (48) |
| Major issues | Housing affordability, public schools, transportation, public safety, sanctuary city and federal litigation |
| City Council focus | District 7 race, several at-large seats; potential shifts in council influence |
| Where to find results | Official city election channels publish preliminary and final results after counting |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Federal Enforcement Operation ‘Patriot 2.0’ Targets Boston Area
Federal Immigration Operation Patriot 2.0 Launched in Massachusetts
Boston’s Preliminary Election Set for September
Boston Mayoral Preliminary Election Approaches
Multiple Violent Incidents Reported in Boston Neighborhoods
Former Boston City Councilor Sentenced for Fraud
Boston Prepares for Preliminary Municipal Election
Michelle Wu Leads Boston Mayoral Race Against Josh Kraft
Boston City Council Addresses Rising Crime at Mass and Cass
Additional Resources
- USA Today: Boston Mayor Michelle Wu Faces Patriots Heir
- CBS News: Boston Preliminary Election Vote Candidates
- Boston Globe: Starting Point for Losing Boston Mayoral Candidates
- NBC Boston: 2025 Mayor Election Preliminary Tuesday
- MassLive: Boston Mayoral Candidates Spar Over Education Reform Approaches
- Wikipedia: Boston
- Google Search: Boston 2025 Mayor 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.
