Josh Kraft Ends Boston Mayoral Bid, Backing Michelle Wu
BOSTON – Josh Kraft has withdrawn from the Boston mayoral race, effectively securing incumbent Michelle Wu’s reelection. Kraft, son of New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft, conceded the race Wednesday after finishing behind Wu in the preliminary election.
The decision comes as Wu heads toward a general election matchup against candidates Robert Cappucci and Domingos DaRosa, though she held a significant lead over all contenders in the initial vote. Kraft’s departure consolidates the field and positions Wu as the clear frontrunner in the November election. The race has focused on issues including infrastructure improvements like bike lanes and the renovation of White Stadium, and also Wu’s handling of policies related to federal immigration enforcement.
Kraft vowed to remain engaged in civic life, announcing plans to redirect his remaining campaign funds – exceeding $5.5 million as of the end of August – toward addressing the substance abuse crisis in Boston, beginning with a $3 million commitment to the Mass and Cass area. “Public service is a part of who I am, and I will never stop pushing for solutions that make this city safer, fairer, and stronger,” Kraft stated.
Throughout the campaign, Wu sought to link Kraft to former President donald Trump, a tactic Kraft characterized as “unfair.” Following the preliminary election, Wu declared her supporters had “sent a message to Josh Kraft, to Donald trump and to all of their enablers: Boston is not for sale.”
Mayor Wu acknowledged Kraft’s decision, stating, “I respect Josh’s decision and thank him for caring about our city deeply enough to want to make it better.” She added that her campaign would continue to focus on community engagement and addressing critical issues facing Boston.
Political analyst Jon Keller observed that Wu’s popularity increased as Kraft intensified his campaign against her, a notable dynamic in the race. Kraft had significantly outspent Wu leading up to the preliminary election, $5.5 million to her $1.1 million.
