News Summary
Mayoral candidate Josh Kraft has publicly accused incumbent Mayor Michelle Wu of spreading false information about his background during a campaign event. Kraft, currently trailing Wu by 30 points in polling, emphasized the need to focus on critical issues like housing and public safety. He also distanced himself from family business interests and former President Trump, asserting his commitment to transparency. Wu’s campaign responded by labeling Kraft’s remarks as part of a negative campaign. Both candidates are preparing for the preliminary election, where issues of affordability and safety remain paramount.
Boston
Mayoral candidate Josh Kraft has publicly accused incumbent Mayor Michelle Wu of disseminating false information about his background and positions during a campaign event held at the Iron Workers Local 7 Union Hall. Kraft’s remarks come as recent polling indicates he is trailing Wu by a significant 30-point margin.
In his address, Kraft condemned what he described as Wu’s personal attacks, urging her to concentrate on the pressing issues facing the city instead. He highlighted the high cost of living in Boston as a paramount concern and criticized Wu’s prior statements claiming he is “new to Boston.” Kraft, who has worked in the city for 35 years, believes that his experience should better position him as a candidate for mayor.
Additionally, Kraft refuted claims that his mayoral campaign is driven by family business interests, clarifying that there is no substantial link between his family’s business and the operations of the city. His comments come in light of scrutiny over his father’s support for former President Donald Trump, with Kraft distancing himself from Trump by asserting that he disagrees with actions he feels undermine democratic institutions.
In response, Wu’s campaign characterized Kraft’s accusations as a part of a broader “relentlessly negative campaign,” while also suggesting that Kraft is trying to “buy the election.” Wu has been criticized for her administration’s handling of housing costs, which a significant portion of the electorate lists as a top priority alongside job creation.
Kraft laid out his vision for actionable solutions, focusing on issues such as housing, education, and public health. His proposals include initiatives aimed at increasing homeownership rates, enhancing literacy in schools, and tackling homelessness. He emphasized the critical need for transparency within Wu’s administration, specifically referencing the escalating budget for the White Stadium project, which has raised public concerns about accountability.
Public safety has also emerged as a key concern for Kraft, who mentioned an incident involving a child stepping on a needle in South Boston as a rallying point for immediate measures to enhance community safety. This aligns with his broader agenda of fostering a safer environment for Boston’s residents.
In a bid to provide insight into his financial standing, Kraft disclosed his earnings for 2024 and 2023, amounting to $6.3 million and $6.5 million, respectively. He also noted his charitable contributions of $269,000 in 2024 and $297,000 in 2023. Instead of full tax returns, he provided a summary, arguing that complete disclosures were not mandatory, despite earlier commitments to transparency regarding his finances.
Kraft’s team has opted not to reveal detailed information about the sources of his income, stating it comprises salary, interest, dividends, and capital gains. In contrast, Wu’s campaign has publicly shared detailed financial disclosures from the last 12 years, accusing Kraft of hiding potential conflicts of interest.
According to the latest Suffolk/Boston Globe poll, Wu leads with 59% support among likely voters, while Kraft has garnered only 29%. Despite the polling data, Kraft asserted confidence in his campaign, focusing on his engagements with the community as evidence of his viability as a candidate.
The preliminary election is scheduled for September 9, where Kraft and Wu are expected to emerge as the leading candidates heading towards the general election set for November. As the campaign progresses, both candidates will need to address the critical issues that resonate with Boston voters, including affordability and public safety, to secure their positions in the upcoming election.
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Additional Resources
- Boston.com
- MassLive
- Boston Globe
- Bloomberg
- Boston Herald
- Wikipedia: Boston
- Google Search: Boston mayoral election 2025
- Google Scholar: Boston politics
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Boston
- Google News: Josh Kraft
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.
