Boston, September 8, 2025
News Summary
Boston’s preliminary election is approaching, with voters set to narrow the candidate field for the mayoral race and city council contests. The election is scheduled for September 9, while early voting runs from August 30 to September 5. Incumbent Mayor Michelle Wu is seeking re-election against Josh Kraft, and candidates for city council are also competing in tight races. The election will determine which candidates advance to the general election on November 4, emphasizing civic engagement among Boston’s 422,000 registered voters.
Boston — Boston’s preliminary election is scheduled for September 9, where voters will narrow the field for the 2025 mayoral race and city council contests ahead of the general election on November 4. The top two vote-getters in the mayoral contest will advance to the general election. Early voting for the preliminary election is available from August 30 to September 5, and polls on election day will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Key details at the top
The preliminary election will decide which candidates move on to the November ballot. In the mayoral race, the two highest vote totals will advance. For the at-large city council seats, ten candidates are competing for four positions, and the eight highest vote-getters will advance to the general election. In district city council races, only two candidates will advance, and district representatives for Districts 3, 6, 8, and 9 are running unopposed.
Incumbent Mayor Michelle Wu is running for re-election after becoming the city’s first woman and first person of color elected mayor in 2021. Her main opponent in this cycle is Josh Kraft, who has outspent other campaigns on financing. Recent polling from Emerson College shows Wu leading likely voters and increasing her margin from earlier surveys. Wu has maintained strong favorability ratings among many Boston voters, though her administration has faced criticism from some Republican voices. Kraft’s campaign has faced organizational challenges, including parting ways with top advisors and a noted decline in support among various demographic groups.
City council races and notable candidates
At-large council contests will be closely watched; eight candidates will advance from the preliminary to the general election. Ten candidates are currently running for the four at-large seats. In district races, only two candidates per district will advance to November, except in Districts 3, 6, 8, and 9 where the incumbents or lone candidates are unopposed and therefore will not face a preliminary contest.
Several individual candidates bring diverse backgrounds to the ballot. Robert Cappucci, a former police officer, is running with a focus on law-and-order issues. Domingos DaRosa centers his campaign on youth empowerment and affordable housing and has a history of activism related to the state’s response to the opioid crisis. Former councilor Frank Baker is returning to the City Council after previously serving 12 years. Other contenders come from fields including education, community activism, and public service.
Voter information and turnout
As of February 1, Boston had approximately 422,000 registered voters. Preliminary election turnout in 2021 was about 25 percent and increased in subsequent elections, though official turnout figures for this year will be reported after the vote. Voters can find their voting district and polling location on the city’s election website. For the general election, voters can register through October 25, with early voting available from October 25 to October 31. Polls on both preliminary and general election days will open at 7 a.m. and close at 8 p.m.
Polling and campaign dynamics
Recent public polling indicates an advantage for Mayor Wu among likely voters. Polls have shown her margin widening compared with earlier surveys. Wu’s leadership and policy approaches have strong favorability measures with many voters in the city. Josh Kraft’s campaign has invested heavily in advertising and other campaign spending but has also experienced staff changes and shifts in voter support that could affect his path to the top two spots in the mayoral race.
What to expect next
Voters choosing in the preliminary will determine which candidates head to the November general election. The preliminary results will be reported after polls close on September 9 and certified according to the city’s election procedures. Candidates who advance will continue campaigning through the general election cycle, and final ballots for November 4 will list the top two mayoral candidates along with the advancing at-large and district council candidates.
How to get more information
Residents seeking their assigned polling place, specific district information, or details on early voting and registration deadlines should consult the city’s official election resources. Polling locations, hours, and voter registration status are typically available on the city’s election website and through local election offices.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the preliminary election?
The preliminary election is on September 9. Early voting for the preliminary is available from August 30 to September 5.
How many mayoral candidates advance to the general election?
The top two vote-getters in the mayoral preliminary advance to the general election on November 4.
How many candidates advance in at-large and district council races?
For at-large city council seats, eight candidates will advance from the preliminary to the general election. For district council seats, only two candidates per district will advance. Districts 3, 6, 8, and 9 are running unopposed.
What are the polling hours?
Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on both preliminary and general election days.
How many registered voters are in Boston?
As of February 1, there are approximately 422,000 registered voters in Boston.
When is the voter registration deadline for the general election?
Voter registration for the general election is open through October 25. Early voting for the general election runs from October 25 to October 31.
Where can I find my polling location?
Voters can find their voting district and polling location on the city’s election website or by contacting local election officials.
Quick reference table
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Preliminary election date | September 9 |
| Preliminary early voting | August 30–September 5 |
| General election date | November 4 |
| General early voting | October 25–October 31 |
| Poll hours | 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. |
| Voter registration deadline (general) | October 25 |
| Registered voters (approx.) | 422,000 |
| Mayoral advancement rule | Top two vote-getters advance |
| At-large candidates | 10 candidates; 8 advance to general; 4 at-large seats |
| Unopposed districts | Districts 3, 6, 8, and 9 |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- NBC Boston: Boston Mayor Election Preview 2025
- Boston.com: Contributors to the 2025 Boston Mayoral Election
- WCVB: Boston 2025 Mayoral Election Dates
- MassLive: Wu Takes Massive Lead Over Kraft in New Boston Mayoral Poll
- Axios: Mayor Election Issues: Michelle Wu vs. Joshua Kraft
- Wikipedia: 2025 Boston Mayoral Election
- Google Search: Boston Mayoral Election 2025
- Google Scholar: Boston Mayoral Election
- Encyclopedia Britannica: 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.
